The Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reports that J.J. Watt has undergone back surgery and will start Texans training camp on the physically unable to perform list (P.U.P.). However, the 27-year-old superstar defensive end is expected to be ready to go for Houston’s game against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.
JJ Watt has undergone back surgery and will start camp on physically unable 2 perform but should b ready 4 season.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) July 22, 2016
Watt has never missed a game in his career and should ready for opener against the Bears.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) July 22, 2016
Watt missed 2012 preseason because of an elbow injury, didn’t miss a regular season game and won first NFL Defensive Player of Year award.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) July 22, 2016
NFL.Com’s Ian Rapoport confirmed the report:
#Texans DL JJ Watt had back surgery recently, source said (as @McClain_on_NFL reported). Will begin camp on PUP list, but OK for the season — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
Obviously any health concerns at all surrounding the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year — and arguably the very best player in the NFL — are a big story, but it sounds like Watt will be okay for the start of the season. Either way, back surgery is indeed worrisome, especially for a defensive end playing with his hand in the dirt and looking to be explosive out of it, as Watt has always been.
UPDATE: Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo says a source told him to “pump the brakes” on the optimistic outlook for Watt’s recovery, saying that it could take up to 10 weeks, which would of course go into the season:
On JJ Watt, texted with a source informed of his prognosis who pumped the brakes on early optimism. Cautioned it could take up to 10 weeks.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2016
Texans have a Thurs night game in Week 3. That’s nine weeks from today. Watt has played through some nasty stuff but we’ll see on this one.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 22, 2016
