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J.J. Watt has back surgery, expects to be ready for season

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt underwent back surgery this week and will be placed on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp.
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Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt underwent back surgery this week and will be placed on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp, reports John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Watt is expected to be fully healthy by the time his team opens the regular season against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 11. However, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that the recover period for the surgery could be as long as 10 weeks. This would mean Watt would miss the first three games of the season. 

The 27-year was forced to play through a broken hand and a strained groin last season, but still led the league with 17.5 sacks.

Watt has gone through preseason surgery before, having an operation done on his elbow in 2012. 

He has never missed a start over his five-year career.