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Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt suffered an elbow injury during his team's season-ending win over the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday, but he insists he will be good to go for the Texans' Wild Card Round matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle:
“It's doing okay,” said Watt. “It'll be fine by Saturday.”
Professional athlete downplays injury. Tell me: where have we seen this one before? Watt underwent X-rays on Sunday, but they fortunately came back negative.
For all we know, it really might not be an issue at all, but it is very rare that a pro athlete will succumb to injuries and admit that they are actually a hindrance, especially in a contact sport where opposing teams can target the afflicted area.
A defensive lineman like Watt surely knows all too well that opposing offensive linemen will attempt to ding the elbow if they know it's bothering Watt, so Watt brushing off the injury could just be an attempt at gamesmanship.
Or, again, it could really be the truth.
Regardless, Watt being potentially compromised would not be good news for Houston, especially against a red-hot Indianapolis Colts team that relies heavily on the arm of Andrew Luck.
Getting to Luck will be paramount if the Texans want to hold off their AFC South rivals, and Watt and his 16 sacks on the year will be the key to Houston's pass rush.
Remember: Watt played just eight games combined in 2016 and 2017 due to injuries, so you know he must be dying to get out on the football field for some playoff action.
