Houston Texans

J.J. Watt reportedly re-injures his back, could be done for the season

Published Sep. 27, 2016 8:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Houston Texans might have seen the last of J.J. Watt on the field this season.

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year reinjured his back and is expected to be out an extended period of time, possibly the rest of the season, according to multiple reports Tuesday.

Sources: #Texans star DL JJ Watt has re-injured his back and is expected to be out for an extended period of time. Could be the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2016

The Texans reportedly will address the injury Wednesday and likely place him on the injured reserve list with the hope he can return.

The #Texans have not addressed the JJ Watt injury. They will tomorrow, likely placing him on Injured Reserve, then hoping he can return.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2016

Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, had surgery to repair a herniated disk over the summer, a procedure the team thought would force him to miss the start of the regular season.

Despite the surgery, Watt, who missed the entire preseason, has played in each of the Texans’ first three games, but has not looked like his dominant self. He has eight tackles and 1 1/2 sacks this season.

The star defensive end has not missed a game in his Pro Bowl career. Watt, who didn't practice Monday, had major surgery to repair five torn muscles in his core area in March.

The Texans reportedly will re-sign defensive end Antonio Smith to ease the loss of Watt.

#Texans are signing Antonio Smith, as @AdamSchefter said. Can't replace Watt, but Smith has been productive, durable in 12 NFL seasons.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2016