One of the most sensational rookie seasons in NFL history has come to an abrupt end.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a torn ACL during practice on Thursday, sources told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Watson’s magical rookie campaign is over.
An MRI on Watson’s knee gave full insight to the extent of the injury, which occurred on a non-contact play. Watson will have to endure roughly an 8-9 month rehabilitation process, and should be back before the start of the 2018 season.
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien remained mum with issues pertaining to Watson’s knee during his press conference on Thursday. Following the practice session, Watson was only listed as limited.
Before tearing his ACL, Watson was coming off the most impressive showing in his short career. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns in the Texans’ 41-38 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday, which was arguably the most breathtaking game of the season.
Watson is the only rookie quarterback in league history to win AFC Offensive Player of the Month honors. He was also named the NFL’s Rookie of the Month for October.
In six games, Watson passed for 1,699 yards and is currently tied atop the NFL in passing touchdowns with 19.
This is the third time the Texans have lost a high-profile player to a season-ending injury this year. Against the Kansas City Chiefs last month, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt suffered a tibial plateau fracture and linebacker Whitney Mercilus went down with a torn pectoral muscle.
With Watson lost for the year, Tom Savage will take over as the starting quarterback in Houston’s upcoming contest with the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. Via Rapoport, the Texans are considering working out quarterbacks now that they need to add a backup to their roster. As of right now, former Bears quarterback Conor Shaw and former Colts quarterback Josh Johnson could be ideal fits for Houston, Rapoport said.
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