It's been downhill for the Houston Texans after an impressive 2-0 start.

Houston was shut out by the New England Patriots on Thursday night football, trounced by a third string quarterback. Now, they've learned that their best player will be out for at least half the season, and possibly the entirety of it.

On Wednesday morning, the Texans placed J.J. Watt on injured reserve due to his injured back. Doing so will keep him out for at least eight weeks, in which the Texans play seven games.

There is concern, though, that Watt could be out for the year:

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The 3-time Defensive Player of the Year is believed to have re-injured his back against the Patriots after having surgery on it in the offseason. He was advised to sit out the first few weeks of the season, so speculation that Watt rushed back too soon isn't unwarranted.

Both Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus have been impressive on the defensive front in the early-going, but losing Watt will take a huge toll on this team as they attempt to remain in contention moving forward.