Mark Gronowski’s run through Miami is over, and the former Hawkeye quarterback has landed somewhere that looks a whole lot steadier.
The Houston Texans signed Gronowski to their practice squad after the Dolphins released him for a third time, ending a chaotic stretch that saw him bounce in and out of Miami all summer. For a player who was once one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football, the NFL path has been anything but smooth.
Gronowski initially joined Miami to battle for the backup job behind starter Malik Willis, but things went sideways early. He reportedly had uncharacteristic turnover issues in camp, and the Dolphins waived him before their first preseason game. Then Miami changed course after its other quarterbacks struggled, bringing Gronowski back so he could play in the team’s final preseason games.
That still didn’t settle anything. After the 53-man roster cutdown, Miami kept reshuffling the position - trading Quinn Ewers, adding Kyle McCord, and releasing Gronowski again. The Dolphins then re-signed him to the practice squad, only to let him go once more.
It didn’t take long for Houston to step in. The Texans signed Gronowski to their practice squad, giving him a fresh start and a chance to carve out a role with a quarterback room that suddenly needs help.
Graham Mertz was placed on IR after a preseason injury, leaving Houston with just C.J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills on the roster.
That opens the door for Gronowski to compete for the third-string job if the Texans decide to activate him. And depending on how things shake out, he could even put pressure on Mills for the backup spot.
The appeal is obvious. Gronowski brings a strong college résumé, one that includes the NCAA record for wins by a quarterback, 12,049 career passing yards, 103 touchdown passes, an FCS All-American nod, the Walter Payton Award, and offensive MVP honors from the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this season.
There are still no guarantees Houston will carry him on the active roster and could opt to keep only two quarterbacks. But after the mess in Miami, Gronowski at least has a clearer path now - and a real chance to prove he belongs.
In Other News...
Iowa Just Landed An Early Recruiting Chance Fans Should Notice
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Kellys appeal is easy to see from an Iowa perspective. He brings shooting, playmaking, size and rebounding to the table, which makes him a fit for a modern frontcourt wing spot, even if evaluators still have questions about his quickness. With multiple Big Ten and Big East programs in the mix, this visit gives Iowa a chance to make an impression early and start shaping what could become a meaningful recruitment down the line. [Read more 🡒]
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What may matter most in the rivalry matchup is how much help Raynor gets around him. The article points to Iowa States running game as a key piece in making his passing life easier, especially if the Cyclones want to stay on schedule and keep the Hawkeyes from putting him in obvious passing situations. Raynor showed he can make plays with his legs and hit some bigger throws, but Iowa is a different test, and it may require a much more complete offensive day than fans were hoping to see this early. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Just Unveiled A Defensive Tweak That Could Matter Later
Against Northern Illinois, Iowa rolled out a third-down look that quietly stood out: three linebackers, five defensive backs and just three defensive linemen. The package showed up only in those obvious passing situations, and it paid off quickly with two sacks in four plays, a reminder that the Hawkeyes are still willing to tinker when the matchup calls for it.
Kirk Ferentz described it as a tactical adjustment tied to the personnel on hand, a way to add versatility while getting more linebackers on the field and easing some of the burden on a less experienced defensive line. It was just one wrinkle in an early-season game, but for a defense that has built its identity on being difficult to solve, it could become a useful option as the schedule gets tougher. [Read more 🡒]