J.J. Watt suffered a broken hand in practice Wednesday, but the Houston Texans defensive end said he will play against the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Watt addressed reporters while wearing a cast over his left hand and wrist.
J.J. Watt breaks his hand in practice, plans to play against Patriots anyway
J.J. Watt’s left hand and wrist were wrapped in a cast as he addressed reporters Thursday.
Watt explained that “football is game where things happen,“ and that he has played through worse injuries.
“I’m not very worried about it,” Watt told reporters at a press conference. “In football, you’re going to play with pain.”
A four-day turnaround is still rather fast, even for a reining NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He sat out practice Thursday, and instead worked out with trainers on a side field.
Head coach Bill O'Brien was seemingly confident that Watt's broken hand wouldn't hinder the defensive end on the field. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said that Watt would have to adapt his game because of his inability to grip anything with his left hand. Watt will wear the cast against the Patriots along with his usual elbow brace.
#Texans Watt knows he'll have to finish the season with his cast. I don't know how bones heal, but... pic.twitter.com/7ZiqYbiDei
— Greg Bailey (@GregBailey13) December 10, 2015 Watt has been a fixture in the Texans’ lineup since he entered the NFL. His 76 consecutive starts rank third among active NFL defensive ends, according to the Texans’ official site. Watt said he would not be changing his pregame routine, and that he would still play catch with fans even though he may drop a few passes.
Watt is in the midst of a potential repeat Defensive Player of the Year season. In 12 games he has a league-leading 13.5 sacks among 59 combined tackles. He also has a forced fumble and five passes defended.
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