After injuring his back during the Houston Texans Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots. the team has placed star defensive end JJ Watt on injured reserve, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, according to multiple sources.
In a direct move to address the injury to Watt, Houston announced that the team has re-signed veteran defensive end Antonio Smith.
While it is not 100% clear just how long Watt will be out of action, Rapoport indicated that he could miss the rest of the season. Back in July, underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk an injury that had him miss the entire preseason.
Watt, an other-worldly defensive force, is facing an uphill battle to return to form after a back injury. Back injuries have a reputation of severely impacting the long-term careers of football players and it is fair to question how Watt will bounce back and if he will return to form.
The 27-year-old Watt did not look the same this season after rushing back from July’s surgery.
Houston is holding out hope that Watt can return for a late-season playoff push.