The Houston Texans suffered a big blow when they lost defensive end J.J. Watt after re-injuring his back. The 27-year-old player has been placed on the injured reserve list which may technically mean the end of his season.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s injury puts the Texans in a very precarious position. This could include their inability to defend the AFC South title. Houston is currently 2-1 but faces an uphill climb with v out of the picture, NFL.com reported.
J.J. Watt’s future with Houston Texans in doubt?
With J.J. Watt’s likely out for the season, the question now is how he will be able to keep up his health moving forward. The injury is believed to be the same herniated disk which he underwent surgery for back in July, USA Today reported.
J.J. Watt may have done the best thing to sit it out and allow the injury to heal. However, it does pose the question on how durable he can be once he is ready to get back on the field.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien will be tasked to look at alternatives for now. But looking ahead, the Texans may want to explore backup options in case J.J. Watt’s injury becomes a recurring issue.
Time to gamble on Jadeveon Clowney?
The Texans have other defensive players to use and one that comes to mind is Jadaveon Clowney. Clowney has been sidelined by a sore knee but this could be the perfect time for him to step up and help the Texan’s cause.
Clowney played a bit to pick up the void left by J.J. Watt when the Texans played the New England Patriots. He wasn’t notable for that game though there is still time for him to get accustomed to the Texans defensive flow, likely with fellow odd-faces in the mix.
The Houston Texans are still not out of it entirely but a lot hinges on O’Brien and how he plays his cards for the remainder of the 2016-17 NFL season.