Sport

Watt Has Back Surgery, Expected to Miss Rest of Season

The Texans placed the three-time Defensive Player of the Year on injured reserve Wednesday, and signed free agent defensive end Antonio Smith to fill his roster spot.

Watt underwent a microdiscectomy in July to fix a herniated disc and after missing all of training camp and the pre-season, but came back to play the first game of the season on Sept 11.

The Texans announced the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has been shut down after undergoing back surgery on a herniated disc.

Texans coach Bill O'Brien confirmed on Friday that Watt will not be able to return from his back injury this year.

O'Brien was with the Patriots in 2008 when they went 11-5 despite playing without Tom Brady for all but one game. "I expect myself to play at an extremely high level".

"I'm in charge of every play that goes into the game", O'Brien told reporters.

Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel wouldn't say who would start in Watt's place. He will miss the first game of his six-year National Football League career on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Even Broncos general manager John Elway chimed in, saying how happy he was he didn't keep Osweiler: "A lot of times those deals you don't make are the best ones".

Houston could also get a boost from the potential return of inside linebacker Brian Cushing, who practised on Wednesday after missing the previous two games with a left knee injury.

Godsey assumed play-calling duties past year after O'Brien called the plays during his first season with the AFC South club.

stayontheblack.com

Watt Has Back Surgery, Expected to Miss Rest of Season