When rookie star Deshaun Watson suffered a torn right ACL, the Houston Texans’ hopes of success left along with him. He’s determined to not let the injury affect his 2018.
During an interview with Fox 26 in Houston, Watson said it’s hurting to not be out there but expects to be healthy for next season.
“There’s no timeline on ACL [injuries]. People give you five, six, seven, eight months to come back, but it’s just whenever we feel it’s right. But I know for sure I’ll be back next season.”
The injury happened in early November prior to Week 9, and Houston’s chances of earning a Wild Card berth disappeared.
Watson had sparked a talented but lifeless offense, throwing for 1,597 yards and 18 touchdowns while scampering for 253 yards and two more scores in six starts. The Texans went 3-3 during that stretch and even scored at least 33 points in all three losses against some of the NFL’s most respected teams.
Overall, Houston averaged 394.8 yards and and 34.7 points with Watson behind center. Since then, however, Tom Savage and T.J. Yates have managed just 301.7 yards and 14.4 points. The offense has only put up more than 16 points in one game, the lone victory of the seven-game stretch.
The Texans hold a frustrating 4-10 record entering the final stretch, but fortunately they know the upcoming offseason won’t involve another search for a franchise quarterback. They know it’s Watson. Now, they need him healthy.
2018 cannot come soon enough for Watson and Houston.