Houston Texans Bring in Antonio Smith As J.J. Watt’s Replacement

By Carlo Monzon
Houston Texans J.J. Watt
Houston Texans J.J. Watt  Tony Gutierrez/AP

After the Houston Texans lost J.J. Watt to an injury during the loss against the New England Patriots, the team has resigned defensive end Antonio Smith. Since Watt is expected to be absent from the field for a long time, fans can expect Smith to get a lot of playing time.

Watt suffered a back injury at Week 3 during the Texans' embarrassing loss to the Patriots, which ended with a final score of 0-27. Although it is not yet clear if Watt will have to undergo surgery due to his current condition, he will most likely miss out on the rest of the season.

Because of this the Texans have decided to put him on the injured reserve list. Due to the predicament that Houston is currently in, the team has decided to re-sign former free agent Smith.

Signing with the Texans marks the second time that Smith has joined Houston. This was his second team in the NFL after he debuted in the league in 2004 with the Arizona Cardinals. Before returning to Houston, he was with the Denver Broncos when the team won Super Bowl 50.

His veteran status in the league and his experience in winning a championship game will give the Texans the edge it needs to bounce back following their Week 3 loss. Hopefully, Smith will be able to help the team defeat the Tennessee Titans when the two teams face off on Oct. 2.

As noted by Romeo Crennel, the defensive coordinator for the Texans, Smith is someone who can effectively replace the injured Watt.

"I know Antonio has a good reputation, he comes well recommended and he has good veteran experience," he said. "So, we feel like that experience will be able to help us, losing someone like J.J., so you bring a veteran in who knows how to play the game, who gives you some inside pass rush. That's what we're looking for him."

But for Smith, he doesn't see himself as Watt's official replacement. Instead, he views his situation as a chance to help the Texans once again.

"I'm definitely not a replacement," he said. "Man, I love that kid. I don't think he knows how much I love him. But, no replacement at all, I'm just here to help the team out as best I can."

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