On Sunday the Houston Texans had a come from behind 27-24 victory over the Oakland Raiders. While the Texans improved to 5-3 behind MVP candidate Deshaun Watson’s three touchdown day, they lose something more severe.
Late in the second quarter, defensive lineman J.J. Watt left the field for a medical tent. After that, he was announced as questionable to return. However, he never returned to the field and won’t during the 2019 season. Once again – Watt’s season ends prematurely – and his team is left to go on without him.
The Texans beleive that Watt tore his pectoral muscle, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal. Absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can’t stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 28, 2019
Following the game, Watt left a heartfelt message on twitter to fans.
“This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal,” Watt tweeted on Sunday. “Absolutely gutted that I won’t be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can’t stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes.”
Obviously, this is a tough blow to a Texans team that appeared ready to challenge for something legitimate in the AFC in 2019. Remember, Watt’s seasons in 2016 and 2017 ended prematurely. Now, in a season that he has recorded four sacks; it ends early for a third time the 30-year old’s career.
Finally, this is sad to see. Watt is one of the true superstars of this era, and a recognizable figure across the league that kids look up to. His heroic efforts in the city of Houston have been well-documented. Furthermore, he’s just an all-around good guy.
To me, it’s exciting when an upstart team like the Texans has a chance to challenge New England for the AFC title. Without Watt, it’s going to be tough. For example, take the best player off any defense in the league; and you’re going to see a noticeable difference you can’t just bridge the gap with off the free agency wire or practice squad.
Suddenly the load on quarterback Deshaun Watson becomes heavier. If Houston is going to make a serious run towards the Super Bowl, he will have to pull off an upset of biblical proportions at some point. Of course, he’s no stranger to this; after beating Alabama in the title game in his final year at Clemson.
