J.J. Watt Undergoes Back Surgery, Hopes to Play Season Opener

According to ESPN, J.J. Watt has gone through back surgery and will miss the NFL preseason. This makes the second surgery in six months for the defensive end. While never missing a regular season game, Watt missed last years preseason due to health concerns.

This caps a season full of injuries.

The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year reportedly played with a herniated disc last season, but it hasn’t been reported if this is related to the recent surgeries. He also played the season with a broken hand and five torn muscles. Some of those tears happened early in the season and had surgery to repair it at seasons end.

The Houston Texans will have to fill a huge void if J.J. isn’t ready for the season opener on September 11 against the Chicago Bears. Devon Still, Christian Covington, Brandon Dunn and Jeoffrey Pagan are the four players set to compete for the starting position in Watt’s absence.

Watt averaged 17.5 sacks last season, which was enough to win his third defensive player of the year award.