The herniated disc that required star defensive end J.J. Watt to undergo surgery represents a huge blow to the Texans' defense.
Ranked third in total defense last season, the Texans relied heavily on Watt as he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks, 29 tackles for losses and 50 quarterback hits and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for a third time.
Now that Watt will open training camp on the physically unable to perform list, the Texans will have even more work to do to fill the void at defensive end.
"I think what he's going through is not going to stop him from making an impact on the team," said defensive end Devon Still, a former Cincinnati Bengals second-round draft pick and one of the Texans' top candidates to start at right defensive end.