A week ago, things were looking great for the Houston Texans. They were 2-0, featuring a defense that looked like one of the best units in the league, and with an offense that looked improved from last year’s. They got a chance to show America that they’re for real last Thursday night, and against a New England Patriots team playing a third-string quarterback and no Rob Gronkowski. And they were absolutely pummeled, 27-0.
So, that was an extremely disappointing night for the Texans and their fans… and tonight most certainly isn’t any better. NFL.Com’s Ian Rapoport reports that Houston superstar defensive end J.J. Watt has re-injured his back and could miss the remainder of the season:
Sources: #Texans star DL JJ Watt has re-injured his back and is expected to be out for an extended period of time. Could be the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2016
#Texans are trying to learn more about JJ Watt’s back, which likely was injured vs. the #Patriots. Massive blow to their defense either way.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2016
The #Texans have not addressed the JJ Watt injury. They will tomorrow, likely placing him on Injured Reserve, then hoping he can return.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2016
Watt is arguably — only because Von Miller and Khalil Mack also exist — the best defensive player in football, so this is obviously a devastating blow to the Texans.
The 27-year-old had back surgery over the offseason, and was ready for Week 1 despite initial reports that he may not be ready to go until a few weeks into the season. So it naturally makes you wonder if perhaps Watt came back earlier than he should’ve, and if that factored into the re-injury.
The Texans’ defense should still be good with Watt, but certainly nowhere near the level they are with the three-time Defensive Player of the Year on the field. Houston was looking like the team to beat in the AFC South, and may still be as it’s probably the weakest division in the NFL, but they’re much more vulnerable now.
