Overview

• Mertz rebounded from a three-interception debut to go 14-of-16 for 145 yards and a touchdown in a turnover-free half at Detroit.
• Ryans lauded Mertz’s command and execution, saying he took advantage of meaningful reps and has a bright future.
• The Texans’ official X account posted “Trust the process 🤞,” underscoring the positive internal read on the rookie’s outing.
• Kedon Slovis handled the second half with an 11-of-16, 111-yard, one-touchdown, one-interception line, offering a direct comparison.
• The QB3 decision remains pending before the Aug. 26 cutdown, with Mertz’s late-round contract guarantees ($228,484) and waiver risk factoring into whether he is kept on the 53 or routed to the practice squad.