The three-time NFL defensive player of the year has suffered a back injury that has him headed for injured reserve and could cost him the rest of the season.
Defensive end J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, also one of the league’s most marketable stars, suffered the injury during the Texans last game, last Thursday against the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media Insider.
Yahoo Sports later reported, citing “a league source,” that Watt “is headed to injured reserve and is expected to be out for the season.”
Watt already had missed the whole pre-season recovering from summer surgery on a herniated disk.
There was no immediate confirmation from the Texans, though according to Rapoport, the team will make a public announcement Wednesday, “likely placing him on Injured Reserve, then hoping he can return.”
Injured reserve used to mean a player was lost for the season and still generally does. But teams now can have one player on injured reserve (thus not taking up a roster spot) return if his recovery permits.
• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.
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