The Texans escaped with a close win over the Raiders on Sunday, but they also suffered a huge loss. The team fears that star defensive end J.J. Watt tore his pec and will miss the rest of the season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). Shortly after Rapoport’s report, Watt confirmed the news himself on Twitter.
“This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal. Absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can’t stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes,” his tweet read.
It’s a massive blow to Houston’s defense, which is already pretty banged up. It’s also devastating for Watt, who has had brutal injury luck the past few seasons. Watt appeared in only three games in 2016, and five in 2017. Back issues cost him most of 2016, with a plateau fracture ruining his next campaign. He appeared in all 16 games last year, and racked up 16 sacks. He’d been strong again this year, with four sacks and 20 quarterback hits through Houston’s first seven games.
The Texans are in a tight race in the AFC South, and this is the last thing they needed. Players have been dropping like flies in their secondary, including top cornerback Bradley Roby. Watt will be 31 when next season kicks off, and coming off his third major injury in four years. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is under contract through the 2021 season.
Watt has been playing at a really high level, and is the undisputed leader of the team’s defense. The Texans traded away Jadeveon Clowney right before the start of the season, who they could certainly use now. With the trade deadline just a couple of days away, it’s possible the Texans will now explore the market for a veteran pass-rusher.
From superstar to injury prone. I don’t foresee him ever being a true elite defensive player again.
He had 16 sacks last year, I don’t care which team you root for, he would have improved your defense by being on it.
Not on the IR.
Jan 14, 2019 NFL Knee Strain Grade 1 Watt underwent minor knee surgery to address a knee issue that bothered him throughout the season.
Oct 8, 2017 NFL Leg Tibial Plateau Fracture Watt missed the final 11 games on IR. He had surgery on October 9.
Sep 14, 2017 NFL Hand Finger Dislocation Watt aggravated his left ring finger. He continued playing through the injury.
Sep 10, 2017 NFL Hand Finger Dislocation Watt injured his left ring finger.
Sep 22, 2016 NFL Back Vertebral Disc Hernia Watt admitted to returning too soon from his July back surgery and required a 2nd that knocked him out for the year.
Jul 20, 2016 NFL Back Vertebral Disc Hernia Watt had July surgery for a herniated disc in his back. He started the regular season on time but played just 3 games before needing another surgery and landing on IR.
Dec 9, 2015 NFL Hand Metacarpal Fracture Watt broke his left hand in a Wednesday practice but missed no time.
Nov 29, 2015 NFL Abdomen Muscle Tear Grade 3 Watt had a partially torn right adductor longus, a fully torn left adductor longus and a fully torn left adductor pectineus in his inner thighs and groin, along with partial tears in his left and right abdominals.
Aug 2, 2012 NFL Arm Elbow Dislocation Watt dislocated his left elbow in a training camp practice. He also said he tore “all the ligaments” in the joint. He missed all preseason games but played the regular season and playoffs in an elbow brace.
It’s JJ Watt is injured time of the season already!
Great player. But does you no good when he’s injured 65% of the time.
What are the Texans going to trade, picks from the 2022 draft?
There are a handful of players in the league that are simply not going to be traded because of how much they mean to the team image and the work they have done in the community outside of football. Larry Fitzgerald, Eli Manning and J.J. Watt are 3 of those guys.
Trade a 1st to the Seahawks for Clowney.