Texans Signed Quarterback Mark Gronowski to Roster
The Houston Texans promoted Mark Gronowski to the active 53-man roster to serve as the team's third quarterback.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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The Houston Texans have added quarterback Mark Gronowski to their 53-man active roster. Gronowski returns to the organization after previously spending time on the team's practice squad earlier this season.
Why it matters
The team required additional quarterback depth following an injury sustained by Graham Mertz during the preseason. Gronowski will provide emergency security behind starters C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.
Mark Gronowski arrives with an NCAA record of 58 career wins and a 63.7% college completion percentage. His collegiate resume also includes 12,000 passing yards, 103 touchdowns, and 53 rushing touchdowns.
The players
Mark Gronowski
He is an NCAA record-holding quarterback who transitioned to the professional level after a standout college career.
Houston Texans
This professional football franchise is based in Houston and competes in the American Football Conference of the NFL.
Graham Mertz
He is a professional quarterback whose season was ended by a torn ACL during a preseason game against the LA Chargers.
C.J. Stroud
He is a starting quarterback for the Houston Texans who leads the team's offensive rotation.
Davis Mills
He is an experienced professional quarterback currently serving in the Houston Texans' passing rotation.
The details
Gronowski was promoted from the practice squad to fill the roster spot currently needed for emergency depth. He previously participated in the team's practice sessions after joining in Week 1, though he was released following Week 2.
Timeline
Preseason: Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
Week 1: Mark Gronowski joined the team's practice squad.
Week 2: Mark Gronowski was released from the practice squad.
Week 5: Mark Gronowski joined the 53-man roster.
Season Trajectory
The addition of Gronowski shores up the depth chart following the preseason injury to Graham Mertz. This move ensures the Texans maintain three viable quarterbacks to support the primary rotation throughout the remainder of the season.
Gronowski is expected to be inactive for most game days while working as the third-string option behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills. His presence offers the team insurance against further injuries in the quarterback room.
The takeaway
Maintaining emergency depth at the quarterback position is a standard practice for NFL teams navigating a long season. Fans should expect the team to prioritize player development for the new signee while keeping him behind the established primary starters.
Further reading
For more on the current roster status, visit the Houston Football page.
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Do you believe NFL teams should always maintain a third quarterback on their active roster?
