Back sidelines Watt for year
Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien confirmed yesterday that star defensive end
J.J. Watt will miss the rest of the season after back surgery.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year had surgery Thursday, a day after he was placed on injured reserve. O’Brien answered a simple “yes” when asked if Watt would miss the rest of the season.
Watt, 27, started 83 straight games since he was drafted in the first round in 2011.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been a force since entering the league not only because of his pass-rushing prowess, but his uncanny ability to swat down passes. He has 45 passes defended in six years, forced 15 fumbles and recovered 13. . . .
Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson says the team has “moved on” from suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon.
A day after Gordon said he’s entering rehab, Jackson made it clear the Browns have ended their relationship with the 25-year-old, whose off-field troubles have prevented him from building on a breakout season in 2013.
Gordon was on the brink of returning from a four-game NFL suspension for his latest drug violation. He could have played in the Oct. 9 game against the Patriots. . . . Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell
Wilson will start tomorrow against the New York Jets despite a left knee sprain. Coach Pete Carroll said Wilson made it through the week of practices with no setbacks. Wilson was hurt after getting pulled down on a sack, spraining the MCL. For the Jets, wide receiver Eric Decker has a partially torn rotator cuff in his shoulder that will sideline him. . . . The Detroit Lions said defensive end
Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) and linebacker DeAndre Levy (quadriceps) will not play against Chicago because of injuries. . . .
San Diego Chargers rookie Joey Bosa was ruled out of his fourth straight game due to a hamstring injury. Bosa missed all of training camp during a nasty contract dispute. Also out is cornerback Brandon
Flowers (concussion). . . . Carolina Panthers left tackle Michael
Oher has been ruled out against Atlanta with concussion-related symptoms. . . . Washington Redskins cornerback Josh
Norman was fined $48,620 by the NFL for his unnecessary roughness foul on New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard, the largest fine of the week.