After undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back earlier this summer, it seemed that Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt might be on track to return by the start of the regular season.
At the very least, that’s what Texans head coach Bill O’Brien wanted us to believe earlier in August.
Now, one month removed from back surgery, it’s looking less likely that Watt will see the field to open the regular season.
#Texans HC Bill O'Brien encouraged by @JJWatt recovery from back surgery after Wed update. Told me still unsure Watt plays first 2 RS games
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) August 19, 2016
This would be a major blow for a Texans squad that’s coming off a AFC South title.
Watt, 27, is considered one of the best football players in the game. He’s earned First-Team All Pro honors in each of the past four seasons, racking up 70 sacks and 15 forced fumbles during that span.
Should Watt be forced to miss the first two regular season games, that could have wide-ranging ramifications in the AFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars seem primed to return to relevance. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts appear to be healthy after an injury-plagued 2015 campaign.