Using a question that I never thought I would ask about the Houston Texans in 2026, has the team found a major solution to their defensive problems with the return of safety M.J. Stewart? With the news that Stewart's 21-day practice window to return to the team (post-quad injury) has been opened, many look at his comeback as a welcomed sight for sore eyes.
With absolutely no disrespect intended, Stewart would not have been seen as a pivotal re-addition to the defense in years past. However, with the struggles of newcomer Reed Blankenship in coverage, and the secondary as a whole having a difficult time containing various types of pass catchers through two games, one can't help but to look at the ninth-year pro as a silver lining in the chaos.
Maybe with his re-inclusion, the defense can return to a certain level of normalcy.
Can the defense recapture its former dominance with the help of MJ. Stewart?
In the offseason, Houston and their new addition in Blankenship agree to a three-year, $24.75 million contract to make the former Eagle one of the finishing touches on what's been a nuclear defense since the beginning of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, Blankenship has been anything but that across his first two games with the team.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, amongst all defensive backs, Blankenship currently rankings of:
- Tied for fifth-most in receptions allowed (nine)
- Fourth-most yards allowed (157)
- Tied for second-most touchdowns allowed (two)
- Tied for the highest passer rating allowed (158.3, perfect)
- Tied for the highest catch % allowed (100%)
- Second-highest coverage EPA (+12.9)
In short, the stats illustrate that Blankenship has been one of the five-worst defensive backs in the entire NFL through two games. Even though scheme-fit, pass rush help and opposing talent levels all affect the contributing circumstances surrounding Blankenship's performances, his uneven play has still stood out like a sore thumb.
With Stewart, the advantage that he has in his position is that he's already spent four consecutive years in Houston, with the most recent three being under the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator Matt Burke and secondary coach Dino Vasso. As such, Stewart knows exactly what's expected of a defensive back in the Texans' scheme, which could theoretically bring a level of comfort and stability to a position that has struggled out of the gate in 2026.
His actual return is still a ways away, as the soonest he can take the field is in week five against the Tennessee Titans. However, improving health--and hopefully, better safety play--is still a positive development for the Texans.
Add us as a preferred source on Google