As soon as Texans veteran offensive tackle Derek Newton bent backward awkwardly against the Denver Broncos and tore both patellar tendons, the odds were immediately against him making a speedy comeback.
That wound up being the case as Newton will miss this entire season on the reserve-physically unable to perform list after being designated Friday. Newton avoided tearing either anterior cruciate ligament, but underwent a pair of open surgeries last fall to repair the damage, No NFL player has ever resurrected their career following this type of severe injury, including former Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis and former Cleveland Browns cornerback Gary Baxter.