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When Texans fans first heard two nights ago that J.J. Watt had suffered another back injury and would be placed on Injured Reserve, the reaction was predictably emotional. Soon thereafter, a debate sprung up about whether J.J. should even play again this season if he didn’t need surgery, or if he should simply shut it down until 2017 regardless of the need for surgical intervention. In light of Adam Schefter’s report late tonight, it appears we now know that J.J. Watt’s 2016 season is over.
Texans' Pro Bowl DE J.J. Watt underwent back surgery today and it is expected to be a season-ending procedure, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2016
JJ Watt had surgery on a herniated disc in his back in late July, then another back surgery two months later. Two surgeries in three months.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2016
Can confirm @AdamSchefter report @JJWatt had back surgery today and it's expected to be season ending. #Texans
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 30, 2016
There’s nothing profound to say here except to express the most sincere of wishes that Watt has a complete recovery. As indestructible and otherworldly as J.J. Watt has been since the Texans drafted him in 2011, here’s hoping he takes all the time he needs to get healthy without worrying about when he’ll return to the field.
UPDATE: Official word from the Texans:
O'Brien: J.J. Watt is out for the year.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) September 30, 2016
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