Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has suffered a non-football related injury. Watt felt the injury after working out on his own and later learned he had a herniated disk. Original reports indicated the Watt injury would keep him out for six to eight weeks according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport,
To be clear on #Texans DL JJ Watt’s back surgery: It was yesterday. He was still in the hospital today. 6-8 week recovery. It’ll be close.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
J.J. Watt Injury Could Sideline Him Up to 10 Weeks
Watt has yet to miss a game in the NFL. As of now however, it seems like that will change. While Rapoport reported that Watt would only be out for six to eight weeks, he has since mentioned that six to eight sounds bleak,
Could actually be longer than 6-8 weeks. It’s JJ Watt, yes. But pretty clear no sure thing he’ll be ready Week 1 https://t.co/40yet3wPW4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
Watt has been arguably the best defensive end in the NFL for a while. Since coming into the league in 2011, Watt has accumulated 74.5 sacks, 298 tackles, 73 assisted tackles, 15 forced fumbles, and 12 fumble recoveries, and 45 passes defended. His breakout season was in 2012 when he led the league in 20.5 sacks. That year he also had 69 tackles, 12 assisted tackles, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 16 passes defended. Watt had another typical season last year as well. He led the league with 17.5 sacks along with having 57 tackles, 19 assisted tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and eight passes defended.
Watt has shown his worth over the last four years as he has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of those seasons. He has also been named AP Defensive Player of the Year three of the last four years.
The Texans will be hoping that Watt will be back for the beginning of the season. Recent reports have put a lot of doubt on that however. It will be interesting to see how well the Texans will fare if Watt misses any games to start 2016.
Main Photo
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 09: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans walks off the field at halftime during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
