J.J. Watt's season is reportedly in jeopardy.
The superstar defensive end suffered a recurrence of his back injury and may be forced him to miss the remainder of the season, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday night.
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The Texans placed Watt on injured reserve Wednesday with the hope he can return this year.
Watt had back surgery in July to repair a herniated disk. He missed training camp and most of Houston's preseason schedule. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year likely hurt his back Thursday in the Texans' 27-0 loss to the Patriots.
Watt played most of last season with torn torso and groin muscles and the herniated disk.
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He had gotten off to a slow start this season with just 1 1/2 sacks and eight tackles, but he has feasted on the Titans — Houston's next opponent. Watt has 15 1/2 sacks in 10 career games against Tennessee, but it doesn't appear he will be on the field Sunday.
Devon Still would be the next man up to replace Watt. The Texans will sign defensive end Antonio Smith, who was with the Texans from 2009-13 and a Pro Bowler in 2011, to replace Watt on the roster.
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Without Watt, the Texans still have a formidable front with a healthy Jadeveon Clowney and outside linebackers John Simon and Whitney Mercilus. But Watt is the straw that stirs the drink.
This article has been updated. Omnisport's Ron Clements contributed to this report.
