Texans Expected To Get Veteran Safety M.J. Stewart Back This Week

The Houston Texans are expected to get a veteran safety M.J. Stewart back this week against the Tennessee Titans as he nears his return from a torn quadriceps, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson.

Stewart opened the season on the reserve/PUP list while recovering from the injury, but he was designated to return in September and has since progressed through the practice process. Depending on how he feels this week, he could be in position to make his season debut in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans.

Stewart has appeared in 99 career games with 14 starts, recording 237 tackles, two interceptions, nine tackles for loss, one sack and 15 passes defensed. He also has four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

His experience could be particularly valuable for a Texans secondary that is coming off a difficult performance against the Dallas Cowboys.

Houston allowed CeeDee Lamb to catch 17 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-30 loss. The Cowboys repeatedly found ways to get Lamb involved, and we've seen the secondary have problems at times this season.

The Texans already have Calen Bullock and free agent addition Reed Blankenship playing significant roles at safety, but adding Stewart gives Houston another experienced option in the room.

Stewart has also been a familiar piece of the Texans' defense for several seasons. He played all 17 games in 2022 before starting one of eight appearances in 2023 and playing 15 games in 2024. Last season, he appeared in nine games and made four starts, finishing with 25 tackles, two passes defensed and a forced fumble.

Getting Stewart back is not necessarily about immediately changing the complexion of Houston's defense. But his return does give DeMeco Ryans another experienced player who can be rotated into the secondary and potentially help stabilize the unit.

The timing could be important as well. Houston is 0-4 after Sunday's loss to Dallas and will travel to Tennessee in Week 5 to face a Titans team that is still searching for its first win as well.

Stewart's return would give the Texans another veteran presence as they look to clean up the issues that have contributed to their slow start on the defensive side of the football.

After spending the first four weeks getting back to shape, Stewart now appears close to getting back on the field. His return could provide a timely boost to a Texans secondary that needs one.