Houston Texans Defensive End J.J. Watt Suffers Tibial Plateau Fracture, Out for the Season
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has always played through the pain.
The three-time National Football League (NFL) defensive player of the year has played on before while blood was streaming down his face, and a dislocated finger couldn't even stop him from playing earlier this season even though the bone in his finger had busted through the skin. That must have been a gruesome sight and it must have hurt badly. But he would simply get his hand taped up and he's good to go.
Watt's pain tolerance is the stuff of legend. However, he can't possibly play with a broken leg for the rest of the season.
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The four-time Pro-Bowler went down with a serious left leg injury in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he was rushed to the hospital. The Texans would later announce that he was diagnosed with a tibial plateau fracture.
According to NFL Network, Watt had to undergo surgery to repair the damage on his leg, and Texans head coach Bill O'Brien has confirmed that his season is over because of the injury.
"To have their seasons cut short because of an injury, it's tough. But, and that's a big but, this football team understands that it is the 'Next man up' philosophy," O'Brien said, via the Texans' official website.
"The train doesn't stop moving. The train keeps going. That's the deal with the League. That's what makes the NFL what it is," he added.
Watt was obviously disappointed and he took to social media to express his frustrations.
"I can't sugarcoat it, I am devastated. All I want to do is be out there on that field for my teammates and this city. I'm sorry," Watt said.
Losing one of the best defensive players in the league is a huge blow for the Texans. Others will have to step up if they want to reach the playoffs this year.
