The season-ending back surgery Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt underwent involved a second microdiscectomy to repair his herniated disk.
Now that Watt is on injured reserve for the remainder of the season, the Texans want the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year to give himself the proper amount of time to strengthen his back for next year.
That means there's no rush for Watt. This rehabilitation time will be pivotal for the rest of his career. And Texans owner Bob McNair is hopeful that a lengthy convalescence will be beneficial in the long term for Watt.