NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report the shocking news late Wednesday afternoon that the Houston Texans feared quarterback Deshaun Watson had torn his ACL in practice. A few minutes later fellow NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo confirmed that the team's fears had come true and that Watson had indeed torn the ligament.

Watson's incredible rookie campaign ends suddenly

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that during a team drill, Watson was running the read option went he went down without being touched. He was then taken off of the field by trainers with a knee injury and an MRI confirmed the injury.

Since Watson took over the starting role in the second half of the season opener, he has been sensational. Watson was the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year and even a possible darkhorse candidate for MVP. In his time with the team, he has helped the Texans become the highest scoring team in the NFL while also throwing a league-leading 19 touchdown passes.

Watson was just hitting his stride too, as he had thrown 16 touchdowns in his last four games, the most ever by a rookie in that span. Now, the Texans most try to move forward through there last nine games and make a push for the playoffs and AFC South crown without him, J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus.

Tom Savage goes full circle again

The Houston Texans drafted Tom Savage in the fourth round in 2014 and he played briefly as a rookie, throwing 19 passes.

He then spent all of 2015 on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. In week 15 last season he took over the starting job when big free agent acquisition Brock Osweiler was benched. However, he suffered a concussion in week 17 and Osweiler got the gig back, starting in the playoffs.

Savage beat out Watson this offseason for the starting job after putting together a strong preseason.

However, his grip on the job did not last long after he was benched at halftime of the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans had been outscored 19-0, with Savage going 7-13 for 62 yards and being sacked seven times. He also lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.

While Savage has not truly gotten a fair shot yet at playing as the team's starter, it will remain to be seen how he does.

The Texans quarterback problem under head coach Bill O'Brien has been much chronicled since he arrived in Houston before Watson took the starting reigns. In order to backup Savage, Rapoport reported that the team had signed veteran backup Matt McGloin.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED