Week five of the NFL season has almost wrapped up and teams are starting to assess the injuries that they suffered. Many notable names on the defensive side of the ball went down yesterday. However, no team was hit harder then the Houston Texans were in Sunday night's matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Texans lose Watt and Merculius
The Houston Texans lost their Sunday night matchup against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
However, the bigger story for Bill O'Brien's team is the lost of their two best pass rushers in superstar JJ Watt and starter Whitney Mercilus.
Mercilus left the game on the Texans' first defensive series with a chest injury, while Watt had to be carted off after being helped to the sidelines in the first quarter. Both players were quickly ruled out for the game, with Watt's injury being especially series as he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Mercilus is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle and has been put on injured reserve (IR). Watt has also been put on IR, as his season is also over.
He had a tibial plateau fracture in his left leg and has already had surgery. A source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Watt has no ligament damage.
Packers lose Kevin King to concussion
The Green Bay Packers lost their top draft pick in their thrilling victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Kevin King was ruled out for the remainder of the game in the first quarter after suffering a concussion. It was an unfortunate injury for the rookie, as it was the first time he had played since week two. He will now be put in the concussion protocol and will not be able to play until he passes it.
Bengals see Jones and Kirkpatrick leave game
The Cincinnati Bengals lost two of their top cornerbacks in their victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Dre Kirkpatrick left the game in the first quarter and had to be looked at by the team's training staff. He was questionable to return with a shoulder injury but missed the rest of the game.
Meanwhile, Adam Jones was being bothered by a lower back throughout the first half of the game. He eventually left to go be inspected in the locker room. Jones was also listed as questionable and did not return.
ESPN's Katherine Terrell reported that head coach Marvin Lewis said that both players were “sore.” However, he said that Jones's issue was more than just back spasms, although it is not thought to be a long-term issue. The Bengals have a bye week this week to get healthy.