HOUSTON (AP) – Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien confirmed Friday that star defensive end J.J. Watt will miss the rest of the season after back surgery.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year had surgery Thursday, a day after he was placed on injured reserve.
On Friday, O’Brien answered a simple “yes” when asked if Watt would miss the rest of the season.
The 27-year-old Watt has started 83 straight games since he was drafted in the first round in 2011.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been a force since entering the league not only because of his pass-rushing prowess, but also because of his uncanny ability to swat down passes. He has 45 passes defended in his six-year career. He has forced 15 fumbles and recovered 13.