Texans Safety M.J. Stewart to Miss Rest of Season After Quad Injury

The Houston Texans’ dramatic 36-29 comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars came at a steep price. Head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Monday that starting safety M.J. Stewart will miss the remainder of the 2025 season after sustaining a serious quadriceps injury that requires surgery. The loss removes one of the defense’s most reliable veterans just as Houston’s unit had begun to establish itself among the league’s elite.

The injury occurred in the second quarter when Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick delivered a block on Stewart during a run by Travis Etienne. Stewart, caught off-guard by the contact, fell awkwardly and immediately grabbed his left leg. Team trainers rushed to his aid, quickly immobilizing the leg before transporting him off the field on a cart.

“Unfortunate for M.J.,” Ryans said after the game. “He was doing a really good job for us in that starting role. He meant a lot to our team, both on the field and in the locker room. We’re going to miss him — now it’s about finding the next man ready to step up.”

The Texans’ locker room echoed Ryans’ sentiment, praising Stewart’s leadership and work ethic. Players described his injury as a “gut punch” to a defense that has relied heavily on his communication and physical play in the secondary.

1. Depth Tested as Injuries Mount

Stewart’s absence comes at a time when Houston’s secondary is already under strain. Safety Jalen Pitre, who also rotates as the team’s nickel defender, was sidelined Sunday with a concussion, leaving the Texans with limited options. In response, the coaching staff elevated cornerback Myles Bryant from the practice squad, while Tremon Smith handled nickel duties when Houston shifted into sub-packages. The reshuffled lineup managed to hold firm in the second half, allowing the Texans’ offense to engineer a comeback led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. But the adjustments highlighted how thin the depth has become at safety — a concern that will linger for the rest of the season. “Guys were ready to answer the call,” Ryans said. “That’s what you want to see — players stepping in, understanding their role, and performing. But depth is something we’ll have to manage closely.” Houston’s defensive backfield, once a point of strength, now faces uncertainty heading into the stretch run. The team sits near the top of the AFC South standings, making every remaining game crucial in the playoff race.

2. Stewart’s Impact and Leadership

Stewart’s journey to the starting lineup was one of opportunity and resilience. Initially a depth piece, he became a starter after the Texans released C.J. Gardner-Johnson following Week 3. Gardner-Johnson, a high-profile offseason signing, struggled to adapt to Ryans’ system and was cut after the team’s 0-3 start. Stewart stepped in seamlessly, helping the defense rebound to lead the NFL in scoring defense (15.1 points allowed per game) entering Week 10. Known for his versatility and tackling ability, Stewart had quickly earned the trust of teammates and coaches alike. His leadership and steady presence in the backfield were instrumental to the Texans’ defensive turnaround. Losing that experience midseason presents both a schematic and emotional challenge. “M.J. brought consistency,” one defensive teammate said. “He didn’t say much, but you always knew he’d be in the right spot. That’s hard to replace.” Ryans emphasized that while Stewart’s on-field contributions are irreplaceable, his influence will continue to be felt in the locker room as he begins rehabilitation. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better,” Ryans said. “Even if he’s not out there, he’ll still be part of what we do.”

3. Next Man Up

With Stewart out, the Texans are evaluating several options to fill his role for the remainder of the season. Myles Bryant, who stepped in during Sunday’s win, could be first in line, while veteran Jalen Mills and rookie Jaylen Reed are also expected to compete for reps in practice. Ryans indicated that the coaching staff would rotate players this week before finalizing a starting combination. The decision will depend on both performance and scheme fit, as the Texans prepare for a crucial stretch of divisional matchups. Houston’s defense will need to maintain the same level of discipline and communication that Stewart provided if it hopes to sustain its early-season form. For Ryans, the situation reinforces a familiar theme in his coaching philosophy — resilience. “This league is about adapting,” he said. “Injuries happen, but it’s how you respond that defines your team.” Houston’s response so far has been marked by composure and resolve, traits the Texans will need as they continue their playoff push without one of their defensive anchors.