J.J. Watt put on injured reserve; might be out for rest of year

The Houston Texans placed star defensive end J.J. Watt on injured reserve Wednesday, and his return this season is in doubt.

Coach Bill O'Brien said Watt had reinjured his back and that putting him on IR was the best thing for his long-term health. The team still was exploring the injury, and it's unclear whether it will require surgery. Watt is not expected back before December, if at all.

"This won't be fun, but it is necessary in order for me to return to 100 percent and play at the level that I am capable of playing at," Watt said. "Everybody deals with adversity in their lives, many much worse than what I'm going through. I have great people around me and I appreciate the thoughts and well wishes from all of you. I am looking forward to the fight back to the top and to the next time that I can step back on that field with my brothers to play the game that I love."

Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen was named NFC defensive player of the week.

In a 22-10 win over the Panthers, Griffen recorded three of the team's eight sacks. The Vikings coaches credited him with nine quarterback hurries as well.

Griffen also won the award after a January victory over the Packers. Teammate Eric Kendricks won the award in Week 1 against Tennessee, and receiver Stefon Diggs was the NFC's offensive winner in Week 2 against Green Bay.

• The Dolphins ruled out four players for Thursday's game at Cincinnati: linebacker Koa Misi (neck), center Mike Pouncey (hip), running back Arian Foster (groin) and tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion).

• Dez Bryant has a slight hairline fracture in a bone in his right knee, though Dallas coach Jason Garrett said the receiver might not miss a game.

• Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing a game because of a sprained right thumb.