Looks like they recruited this guy out of the nursing home to take JJ's spot. You know what they say about accumulating accomplishments? Your career is probably about done. But in reality, a rotating position (run vs. pass), all that is asked is being able to play maybe 50 snaps, eh?
The Houston Texans didn’t waste much time attempting to find a backup plan at defensive end with J.J. Watt out. Just hours after news broke that Watt could possibly miss the rest of the season with a back injury, it was discovered that the Texans will sign Antonio Smith.
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Smith in the fifth round of the 2004 draft and he spent the first five years of his career in Arizona. He helped them reach Super Bowl XLIII with a very strong season, but they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23. Despite his strong effort, the Cardinals did not re-sign him and he became a free agent after the season.
Houston signed him in 2009 though to replace Anthony Weaver and he had some of his most successful years with the Texans. He actually managed to make the Pro Bowl in 2011 for them after recording 6.5 sacks during the regular season.
After the 2013 season though, Houston decided to let Smith walk and he joined the Oakland Raiders. He struggled with them, managing just three sacks in 2014, and he was let go after the season. He joined Denver last year and won a Super Bowl with the Broncos, producing 2.5 sacks in 16 games.
The Texans will officially sign Smith on Wednesday when the team places Watt on injured reserve. Watt re-injured his back against the New England Patriots this past Thursday and will miss at least two months as he recovers.
***********
On another note, check out this late model SUV that I just purchased, #reliabletransportation