Texans Have No Plans To Activate DE J.J. Watt From Injured Reserve

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that although DE J.J. Watt is eligible to come off injured reserve for the first time this week, the Texans have no plans to activate him this season.

Watt underwent back surgery towards the end of September and was expected to be out for the remainder of the season, so this doesn’t come as a complete surprise.

Watt underwent back surgery for a herniated disc several months ago but was able to return in time for the start of the regular season. However, it was clear that Watt wasn’t 100 percent healthy yet.

Given Watt’s importance to the Texans, it’s fair to wonder if Watt and the team both pushed him to return from a serious injury too soon.

Watt, 27, is in the third year of his eight-year, $108.88 million contract that includes $51.8 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $10.5 million for the 2016 season.

Houston placed Watt on injured reserve shortly after the news of his back injury broke.

In 2016, Watt has appeared in three games and recorded eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery for the Texans.