Texans' O'Brien: 'You can never replace the best player in the NFL'
The Houston Texans placed reigning Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt on injured reserve Wednesday due to a back injury, and to say his presence on the field will be missed is an understatement.
"You can never replace the best player in the NFL," head coach Bill O'Brien said at a press conference Wednesday.
Watt underwent offseason surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. He also took care of other ailments and fought hard to be healthy enough to play when the regular season kicked off.
"J.J. did absolutely everything he could do to get back on the field. He followed his doctors' orders ... passed every test," O'Brien said, adding that he had no idea whether Watt injured the same disc or will require the same injury.
Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said defensive lineman Christian Covington will play more in base defense with Watt sidelined.