J.J. Watt's season ended on the sideline.
The Texans defensive behemoth hobbled off the field during the third quarter in Houston's 30-0 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Saturday's wild-card tilt. Watt was battling a nagging groin injury, and did not return.
With the Texans sinking fast, Watt was seen arguing with Houston's head trainer, who stood between the All-Pro end and the playing field, per NFL Media's James Palmer. On the following drive, though, Watt gave in, standing idle as Houston allowed Alex Smith and the Chiefs to burn down the field for a touchdown and an insurmountable 27-0 lead.
It's been a terrible day for the Texans, exemplified by the loss of Watt. A stellar season for the league's top defensive talent couldn't have come down to a more frustrating fashion.
Take a look at some other injuries that we are tracking:
- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a right shoulder injury at the end of the third quarter, but returned late in the fourth quarter. Roethlisberger appeared to be favoring his shoulder when he came back into the game. He didn't comment on his status after the win.
Wideout Antonio Brown is going through concussion protocol. Brown was hit high going over the middle late in the fourth quarter by Vontaze Burfict. The Steelers have not updated his status for next week.
- Bengals safety Reggie Nelson (ankle) was taken to the locker room in the first half on Saturday night. The safety did not return.
Dre Kirkpatrick injured his quad in the loss.
- Kansas City won on Saturday but suffered a major blow. Jeremy Maclin injured his knee against the Texans and did not return. The Chiefs announced after the game that Maclin has a knee strain and will have an MRI on Sunday. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Maclin suffered an injury to his ACL, but the team is hoping that it is not torn, per a source informed of the injury.
- Bengals DT Domata Peko suffered an anle injury in the loss.
- Bengals RB Giovani Bernard ran to the locker room after being hit hard by Steelers LB Ryan Shazier in the third quarter. Bernard is going through concussion protocol and never returned.
