Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans tore his ACL in Thursday’s practice and will undergo a season-ending surgery. This was reported by ESPN.
According to the reports, the injury was non-contact and happened halfway through the practice. Watson fell to the ground but didn’t seem to have a serious injury at the moment. After further examination, it was shown that he suffered a torn ACL.
Watson also tore ACL in his left knee in 2014, while he was in college playing football for Clemson. According to Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, the injury happened in practice as well, but Watson managed to play with the injury. Swinney released a statement saying that he talked with Deshaun and that he believes the rookie quarterback will come back stronger than before.
“I talked to Deshaun late this afternoon and we are disappointed,” – Swinney said. “But, he is a person who has had some setbacks in his life, and always comes back stronger. Since he went through the rehab before, he knows what it takes.“
Watson’s injury comes as a significant blow for the Texans and also puts an end to his amazing rookie season. Before the injury, Watson ranked the first in rushing among quarterbacks with 269 yards and also has 19 touchdown passes which makes him tied for the first place in the league. Also, Watson’s 3 games with 4+ passing touchdowns make him the only rookie alongside Fran Tarkenton to do so.
With Deshaun Watson out, the Texans signed former Oakland Raiders QB Matt McGloin and T. J. Yates who last played for the Buffalo Bills. They are expected to be back-ups for Tom Savage, who started the season as a starter for Texans. Savage started the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars but was benched at the halftime in favor of Watson.
