Week 17 is trivial for the Houston Texans. A win over the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium would be for pride, but it could come at a cost.
Over the past three weeks, quarterback Deshaun Watson has had scares with his right elbow that have called the attention of trainers. In Week 14 in the 36-7 loss at the Chicago Bears, Watson hit his funny bone and had to come out of the game for a play. In Week 16’s 37-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he lie flat on his back for up to five minutes and had trainers encircling him and teammates on a knee, saying prayers and hoping their champion would spring to his feet.
The Texans have been lucky thus far, but the long arm of 2020’s misfortune could strike them Sunday against the Titans if they aren’t careful with Watson.
According to interim coach Romeo Crennel, there is nothing wrong with the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback — nothing that would keep him out of the game against their AFC South rivals.
“As far as I know, he’s doing pretty good,” Crennel said. “I haven’t heard that he’s not doing well, and so since I feel like he’s doing good, I hope he does good on Sunday, too.”
If Watson can make it through the game without any injuries, it gives Houston a head start into recovering from disappointing season that will see the Texans finish with a double-digit loss season for the fourth time since 2010. If Watson does get injured, his rehabilitation will be a factor in determining how far the club is setback as they aim to return to playoff contention.