M.J. Stewart Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Texans vs Chiefs game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 12, 2025
Officially lands on IR
Stewart (quadriceps) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Stewart suffered a left quad injury in Sunday's 36-29 win over the Jaguars that requires season-ending surgery. This move was strictly procedural as a result, and it will open up a roster spot for the Texans.
Nov 10, 2025
Out for the season
Stewart (quadriceps) will be out for the season, DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After being carted off during Sunday's game against Jacksonville, head coach Demeco Ryans said Stewart's season is over. The eight-year veteran took over as the starting safety following the release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in September.
Nov 9, 2025
Ruled out with knee
Stewart (knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Stewart was carted off the field in the first half after suffering a serious knee injury, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Tremon Smith will likely replace Stewart at free safety for the remainder of the divisional contest.
Sep 24, 2025
Moves up depth chart
Stewart is expected to take over as a starting safety after the Texans released C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Wednesday, Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner-Johnson's tenure in Houston lasted just three games before head coach DeMeco Ryans pushed the eject button. Ryans talked about having a "great pulse" of the locker room and "what's going on" as factors that influenced his decision. The 30-year-old Stewart is in his fourth season with the Texans and is familiar with the operation. He's played just five snaps in 2025 but has extensive experience as a backup in previous seasons, which makes Ryans believe he can handle the promotion.
Mar 11, 2025
Staying in Houston another year
The Texans will sign Stewart to a one-year contract, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart played in 15 games for the Texans in 2024, and although he didn't see the field much on defense, he was a major special teams contributor. After Houston already lost fellow safety Eric Murray to Jacksonville in free agency, that was enough to earn Stewart another deal for the upcoming season. He projects to contribute primarily on special teams again in 2025.
Sep 22, 2024
Suiting up
Stewart (knee) is active Sunday against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Stewart has yet to play this season due to the injury and will be making his season debut when he takes the field. The veteran safety will bolster the team's depth in the secondary but will primarily see action on special teams.
Sep 20, 2024
Questionable vs. Minnesota
Stewart (knee) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Stewart has been held out for the first two games of the season due to a knee injury he sustained in early September. The fact he was able to practice all three days, albeit in a limited capacity, gives the 2018 second-round pick a fair shot of suiting up for the first time this year. If he does play, Stewart will likely be limited to special-teams duties.
Sep 13, 2024
Won't play Week 2
Stewart (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest versus Chicago.
ANALYSIS
Stewart will miss his second straight game to open the campaign due to a knee issue. The safety didn't practice in any capacity this week, so his status for Week 3 may also be in doubt. When healthy, Stewart is expected to work in a backup role for the Texans.
Sep 6, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Stewart (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
The seventh-year pro failed to log a single practice session this week due to a knee injury, so it's no surprise that he won't be suiting up Sunday. With Stewart sidelined in Week 1, expect Calen Bullock and Eric Murray to assume the reserve safety roles.
Sep 5, 2024
Dealing with knee injury
Stewart did not participate in practice both Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury.
ANALYSIS
Stewart has one more chance Friday to practice in some capacity ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener against the Colts. The 2018 second-round pick is set to serve in a backup role at safety behind starters Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward.
Jul 18, 2024
Healthy again
Stewart (shoulder) is not on the injured list heading into training camp, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart fractured his shoulder last November against the Buccaneers and missed the rest of the season. The safety recorded 22 tackles in eight games in 2023. The seventh-year pro returns for the final year of his contract in 2024.
Nov 7, 2023
Lands on IR
Stewart (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart suffered a fractured shoulder in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers and was expected to be out long-term, so his move to IR does not come as a surprise. He'll now be forced to miss at least the next four games, but a longer recovery time could be needed for the North Carolina product.
Nov 7, 2023
Suffers long-term injury
Stewart's shoulder injury is expected to require a long-term recovery, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart stepped in for the injured Jimmie Ward (hamstring) this past Sunday before suffering a shoulder injury of his own. The 28-year-old safety has appeared in eight games for the Texans this year, recording 22 total tackles and one forced fumble. Stewart could very well end up on injured reserve in the near future.
Nov 6, 2023
Needs MRI
Stewart, who left Sunday's 39-37 win over the Buccaneers early with a shoulder injury, will undergo an MRI on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart exited the game early, after coming in to replace Jimmie Ward who suffered a hamstring injury. The former had his arm in a sling afterward and appears in danger of missing time moving forward. With Steward and Ward likely to be questionable or worse for Week 10 against the Bengals, DeAndre Houston-Carson may be in for a big role in the contest.
Nov 5, 2023
Will not return
Stewart (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Stewart stepped in at strong safety after Jimmie Ward suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the game, and now both will not return. DeAndre Houston-Carson has taken their place in the secondary.
Nov 5, 2023
Exits with shoulder injury
Stewart is questionable to return to Sunday's game against Buccaneers with a shoulder injury.
ANALYSIS
Stewart suffered an injury of his own after coming off the bench to replace starting safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring), who is also listed as questionable to return. DeAndre Houston-Carson ended up stepping in to replace Stewart, who recorded three tackles prior to his departure.
Sep 27, 2023
Sees big snap reduction
Stewart recorded no tackles while playing four snaps on defense and 22 on special teams in the Texans' 37-17 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
After recording 10 tackles and a forced fumble while playing every snap on defense in the Texans' Week 2 loss to the Colts, Stewart moved back into a reserve role Sunday with Eric Murray and Jimmie Ward making their returns from injury. Though he played only four snaps on defense Week 3, Stewart's role could become further reduced Sunday against the Steelers if fellow safety Jalen Pitre (chest) is able to return from a two-game absence.
Mar 9, 2023
Returns to Houston
Stewart signed a contract with the Texans on Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart joined the Texans in 2022 and played as a backup safety while also contributing plenty on special teams. In total, he tallied 41 tackles and one pass defended to go along with one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Dec 30, 2022
Clears concussion protocol
Stewart (concussion) does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Stewart was forced to exit Houston's Week 16 win over Tennessee after taking a blow to the head that resulted in a concussion. However, he appears to have cleared the league's protocols and has practiced in full the last two days. Stewart will return to a depth role in the Texans' secondary while also shouldering a heavy load on special teams.
Dec 24, 2022
Diagnosed with concussion
Stewart suffered a concussion during Saturday's 19-14 win at Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Prior to his departure in the second half, Stewart didn't make a mark in the box score. Now that he's subject to the protocol for head injuries in order to play again, his status for the Texans' next game Sunday, Jan. 1 against the Jaguars is up in the air.
Mar 15, 2022
Signs with Houston
Stewart agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with the Texans on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart appeared in 13 games for the Browns in 2021 and totaled 47 tackles (34 solo), four pass deflections and one forced fumble. The 2018 second-round pick figures to offer depth to Houston's suspect safety group and may even be able to win a starting spot during training camp.
Dec 29, 2021
Posts 10 tackles
Stewart had 10 tackles (nine solo) during Saturday's 24-22 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
It's Stewart second straight game with double-digit tackles as he continues to start in Cleveland's depleted secondary. If John Johnson (hamstring) or Ronnie Harrison (ankle) are unable to return for Week 17, Stewart should receive plenty of opportunities versus the Steelers.
Nov 13, 2021
Officially activated
Stewart (hamstring) has been activated off injured reserve, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart returned to practice prior to Week 9, so he was roughly in the middle of his 21-day window to be activated. He has been sidelined since Week 5, but will now be available to help provide depth in the secondary.
Nov 5, 2021
Designated for return
The Browns have designated Stewart (hamstring) to return from IR, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart's 21-day practice window thus begins Friday, making him eligible to return as early as Sunday's divisional matchup against the Bengals. A hamstring injury has sidelined the safety since Week 5.
Oct 12, 2021
Headed for IR
Stewart was placed on IR with a hamstring injury Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Stewart left Sunday's game early, then he was scheduled for an MRI on Monday. The 2018 second-round selection has been dealing with a hamstring issue since training camp and has been limited for most of the season thus far. Stewart has 11 tackles in 2021.
Sep 9, 2021
Absent from injury report
Stewart (hamstring) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart missed some time in camp with the hamstring issue, but he was able to get healthy over the past few weeks. He recorded 22 total tackles, one sack and two interceptions while primarily playing special teams in 2020.
Aug 25, 2020
Hampered by hamstring
Stewart (hamstring) didn't practice Monday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart is in the midst of a fresh start with the Browns after the 2018 second-round pick was cut by Tampa Bay in early August, but now he'll need to overcome another injury -- a common occurrence for the cornerback. The Browns' cornerback corps is littered with injuries, as Greedy Williams (shoulder), Kevin Johnson (abdomen) and Terrance Mitchell (knee) are all sidelined right now, so a quick return to practice could allow Stewart to log some first-team reps.
Aug 8, 2020
Finds new home
The Browns claimed Stewart off waivers Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 draft, Stewart suffered through injuries and ineffectiveness during two seasons with the team. Overall, he totaled 68 tackles and five passes defended in 21 appearances. Tampa Bay recently cut Stewarts, allowing him to find a new home in Cleveland. He'll provide depth for a cornerback group led by Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams.
Aug 6, 2020
Time up in Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers waived Stewart on Thursday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart joined the Buccaneers in 2018 as a second-round pick, but he failed to transform into a reliable member of the secondary over two years with the team. Having lost the starting nickel job in 2019 and even been a late scratch toward the end of the season, the writing was on the wall that Stewart had fallen out of favor in Tampa Bay. Still, it's somewhat surprising to see that the team went so far as to cut the 24-year-old, rather than simply relegate him to a depth role.
Jan 13, 2020
Modest sophomore campaign
Stewart logged 35 tackles (28 solo) and two defensed passes across 10 games during the 2019 season.
ANALYSIS
Through 21 career games, Stewart has yet to log a turnover, but he once again served as a steady, albeit unspectacular, member of the Buccaneers' defensive back rotation. The 2018 second-round pick dealt with a knee sprain that cost him three games, and he was also a healthy scratch on three other occasions. As his final line indicates, Stewart had next to no IDP value in 2019, and he may have a battle on his hands to hold onto a roster spot next season as a result of his modest first pair of campaigns.
Dec 8, 2019
Suiting up Week 14
Stewart (knee) is active for Sunday's Week 14 tilt against the Colts, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart will be making his return from a three-game absence. The second-year cornerback figures to slot into a rotational role at cornerback behind Sean Murphy-Bunting against the Colts.
Dec 6, 2019
Receives questionable tag
Stewart (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The 24-year-old has been out the last three games due to the right knee sprain but may be able to return Week 14. Jamel Dean (shoulder) should continue filling in as the nickel cornerback if Stewart can't suit up.
Dec 4, 2019
Works as limited participant
Stewart (knee) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart missed the last three games due to the right knee sprain, but his return to practice may give him a chance to suit up Week 14. Jamel Dean should continue working as the nickel cornerback should Stewart be unable to play.
Nov 29, 2019
Out Week 13
Stewart (knee) was ruled out for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart continues to recover from a right knee sprain and will miss his third straight game. Jamel Dean should work as Tampa Bay's nickel cornerback in his absence.
Nov 27, 2019
No practice Wednesday
Stewart (knee) did not practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Stewart has missed two consecutive contests due to a sprained right knee, and he appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's game in Jacksonville. With Sean Murphy-Bunting (knee) and Jamel Dean (shoulder) also nursing injuries, Tampa Bay's secondary could be hampered by a multitude of ailments Week 13.
Nov 22, 2019
Won't play Sunday
Coach Bruce Arians said Friday that Stewart (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's tilt against the Falcons, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart will miss a second straight game as he nurses a sprained right knee. As long as the 2018 second-round pick is unable to go, expect Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting to remain locked in as Tampa Bay's starters at cornerback.
Nov 20, 2019
Not practicing Wednesday
Stewart (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Carmen Vitali of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart was poised for increased duties when Vernon Hargreaves was waived, but he's in danger of missing a second straight game due to a sprained right knee. If the 2018 second-round pick is ultimately ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy Bunting figure to be locked into starting cornerback roles.
Nov 15, 2019
Won't play versus Saints
Stewart (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Stewart is nursing a sprained right knee suffered during Week 10's win over the Cardinals. His injury carries an expected recovery timetable of at least a couple weeks, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise that he won't suit up Week 11. As long as Stewart is unable to go, expect Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean and Ryan Smith to see expanded depth roles. With starting cornerback Carlton Davis (hip) still getting back to full health, Stewart's injury has come at a particularly inopportune time.
Nov 12, 2019
Posts eight tackles
Stewart (knee) registered eight tackles (six solo) in Sunday's win over the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Stewart recorded his stat line over the course of only 52 snaps, with 10 of those being on special teams, as he was forced from Sunday's game with a knee injury and did not return. With Vernon Hargreaves being waived Tuesday, Stewart could be in line for a larger role on defense given that his knee injury is not serious.
Nov 10, 2019
Leaves with knee issue
Stewart suffered a knee injury and won't return to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
ANALYSIS
This was Stewart's first game back after two straight healthy scratches. He's deep on the Buccaneers' depth chart, and he'll look to shake off the injury before Week 11's contest against the Saints.
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