National Football League

Texans coach O'Brien confirms Watt is out for the year

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.

---

Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and Twitter www.twitter.com/AP-NFL