J.J. Watt has Second Back Surgery and Will Miss the Rest of 2016 Season

HOUSTON, TX -- Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt officially ended his 2016 season on Thursday and underwent a second back surgery to repair a herniated disc.

Watt, 27, who has terrorized opposing quarterbacks since being drafted in the first round by the Texans in 2011, was placed on injured reserve Wednesday and saw a specialist who advised a second surgery, officials said.

Watt underwent a microdiscectomy in July to repair a herniated disc and after missing all of training camp and the pre-season, but came back to play the first game of the season on Sept 11.

Watt reinjured the same disc in his back 10 days later in a Thursday night game against the New England Patriots.

According to league rules, Watt could play in eight weeks, but but it’s likely the Texans won’t take any chances with their star defensive end.

Meanwhile, the team has made adjustments and expects the likes of Devon Still and Antonio Smith,who was signed on Wednesday, to fill the gap in the wake of Watt’s injury.

With Watt now out for the season, opposing offensive coordinators will likely turn their attention to linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus.

Image: Shutterstock