Houston Texans Injury News: J.J. Watt Broke Hand, Now Wearing A Cast; Did Not Practice Today

Now that the Houston Texans are entering the home stretch of the AFC playoff race, they can ill afford any sizable setbacks. I reckon their best player/the best defensive player in the league/the best player in the league sporting a cast would qualify as a rather sizable potential setback.

.@JJWatt was at #Texans practice with a cast on his left hand.He did not practice with the team but ran on the side. pic.twitter.com/g7AlGJj2h0

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 10, 2015

While the image of Watt in a cast is the stuff of nightmares for Texans fans, Aaron Wilson says not to fear; Sunday Night Football game will still boast a heaping helping of J.J.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt's left hand is in a cast, not practicing today, but streak of 76 consecutive games played isn't in danger

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 10, 2015

Although these things can change, I choose to believe Aaron Wilson when he says that J.J. Watt will be on the field against the Patriots on Sunday evening. I would choose to believe this even if Watt was in a full body cast, so there's no reason to waver now.

While we're talking about practice and potentially game-altering injuries, allow me to take this opportunity to advise you that Rob Gronkowski returned to practice for the Patriots today.

Rob Gronkowski is back at practice today. Wearing a brace on his right leg. Edelman still missing. Chung is back. pic.twitter.com/32N0AlzRG8

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) December 10, 2015

It remains to be seen whether Gronk will play on Sunday night, but his return to practice today would seem to be a positive sign for his chances of returning to New England's lineup and giving the Tom Brady his favorite target back.

UPDATE: That cast ain't for show. J.J. Watt has a broken hand.

Watt: "I broke my hand at practice yesterday and I will play in the game on Sunday."

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 10, 2015

Crennel on Watt (hand): "He's going to have to adapt his game. He doesn't have the grip with that hand. We will see how it goes."

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 10, 2015

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