In the Oakland Raiders’ win last week over the Detroit Lions, defensive end Arden Key suffered a broken foot. He has now been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Key will seek a second opinion, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Though not a starter for the Raiders this year, Key has certainly been impactful on the defensive side of the ball. In his rookie season for the Raiders last year, Key started ten games but only managed to record one sack. After a rigorous offseason, however, Key has really proven himself to the 4-4 Raiders, recording a sack in each of his last two games.

“I got a little stronger, which helps with the bull rush, and now that’s my [baseline] move,” Key said during training camp when asked about his offseason improvements. “So much of the credit goes to Buck (defensive line coach Brentson Buckner). I’m really starting to use my hands now. Last year, I didn’t use hands at all. I was using my shoulder and a lot of forearm. If I can use my hands to keep guys off me, I can make moves and use my bend and length and things of that sort.”

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After winning a measly four games last season, the Raiders have already matched last year’s total with their 4-4 record. On the other hand, the team had only amassed 15 sacks up until recently, so Key’s production was vital to the defensive unit.

In his absence, the Raiders will rely on defensive ends Clelin Ferrell — a first-round draft pick this year (No. 4 overall) — and Benson Mayowa, who currently leads the team with 5.5 sacks so far.

The Raiders, with Jon Gruden back at the helm for his first season in a decade, will certainly miss the former LSU standout as they host the 4-5 Los Angeles Chargers next weekend.

As the Los Angeles Rams training camp gets underway, they are without their star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, as it appears that he will be holding out of camp for the time being, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The holdout is presumably due to a lack of a satisfactory contract, as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He is set to make $7 million this coming season.

Donald held out for all of 2017’s training camp, not reporting to the team up until September 9, just one day before the team’s season opener against the Indianapolis Colts. However, since he is now entering the final year of his contract, he could be denied free agency at the end of the season if he does not report to training camp at least one month before the beginning of the season, which starts on September 10 for the Rams.

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Rams general manager Les Snead has said in the past that the team plans on making Donald the highest paid defensive player in the NFL when the time comes for him to sign a contract, but the situation is getting a bit strange. The Rams recently signed newly acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a six-year deal worth $90 million, with $50 million guaranteed. Now, the team has inked running back Todd Gurley to a four-year contract extension worth $60 million, with $45 million guaranteed. Those are two huge contracts for non-quarterback players, and if the Rams were to follow through on their big-money promise to Donald, they would be seriously strapped for cash elsewhere moving forward.

When speaking about those other contracts, Snead said, “Each situation is different. Different players, different agents. … You work on everything simultaneously, but you really don’t know when you’re going to get something done or not because it’s case by case.”

In reference to Rams fans everywhere taking to social media to announce their desire for Donald to get paid, Snead stated, “That’s what we’re trying to do… It’s a little more complicated than that. Definitely agree with the fans. We want to definitely try to pay Aaron what he’s deserved and make him a Ram a long time.”

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All this aside, if there’s any defensive player worth that type of money, it’s Aaron Donald. He has made the Pro-Bowl in each of his four seasons in the NFL, made the First Team All-Pro each year from 2015 to 2017, won the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014, and Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. This past season saw him accumulate 11 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and a staggering 91 quarterback pressures. He is arguably the best defensive player in the NFL, and at 27-years-old and very little injury history, he looks to maintain that dominance for a long time.

Donald has until August 10 to report to training camp, or he could risk his free agency status come 2019.

The Cleveland Browns announced Friday that they have signed 2017 No. 1 overall draft pick Myles Garrett to a four-year deal worth $30.4 million guaranteed.

Myles Garrett, 2017 No. 1 Draft Pick, Signs Four-Year Deal with Browns

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the 21-year-old defensive end’s contract includes a $20.25 million signing bonus and a team option for a fifth season, just like all rookie deals for first-round selections.

Garrett, who was widely predicted to be the top pick in this year’s draft, recorded 31 sacks and 47 tackles for loss and also forced seven fumbles during his college career at Texas A&M.

The 6-foot-5, 270-pound pass rusher is expected to significantly improve Cleveland’s defense, which is led by new coordinator Gregg Williams. The Browns went 1-15 last season.

Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Joe Thomas, who was drafted by the Browns as a first-round pick in 2007, praised Garrett earlier this offseason.

“I’m just impressed with his demeanor and his willingness to learn and his humbleness,” Thomas said of the Arlington, Texas native. “but also you see that fire that’s burning inside him to be great and I think those are the hallmarks of guys that have a chance to be really excellent football players.”

The Browns have now secured six of their ten draft picks from 2017. Garrett’s fellow first-round draft-mates, safety Jabrill Peppers and tight end David Njoku, have not yet officially signed with Cleveland.

Garrett’s impressively giant contract exceeds the value of the four-year deal 2016 No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff signed with the Los Angeles Rams. The former California Golden Bears quarterback inked a pact worth $27.9 million guaranteed, including a $18.5 million signing bonus.

Shortly after he was drafted, Garrett told ESPN’s Randy Moss that he will do everything he can to beat Ben Roethlisberger. 

“I’m going to try to take him down,” Garrett said of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. “I can’t wait to face him,” the rookie added after saying he has been following Roethlisberger’s career for “a very long time.”

The division-rival Browns and Steelers will face off in Week 1 next season.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 05: Defensive lineman Myles Garrett of Texas A&M participates in a drill during day five of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams announced late Thursday night that they are sending defensive end William Hayes to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2017 sixth-round pick (No. 206).

Rams’ William Hayes Traded to Dolphins

The Dolphins also get the Rams’ seventh-round 2017 pick (No. 223) as part of the trade, which came just hours after the NFL free agency period began.

“Will has been an integral member of our defense since he became a Ram in 2012,” Rams GM Les Snead said in a statement. “His passion set the tone for our defense and served as an example for his teammates. Off the field, he showed compassion as he was a major contributor to the St. Louis and Los Angeles communities, working to improve the plight of the homeless. We wish Will and his family the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.”

Hayes compiled five sacks in 14 games for the Rams last season.

The move seems to have been motivated by economic reasons. According to USA Today‘s Tom Pelissero, Hayes is still set to earn a $2 million roster bonus Saturday while $1 million of his 2017 salary is already guaranteed.

A 2008 fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, the 31-year-old spent the last five seasons with the Rams.

During that stretch, he racked up 26.5 sacks, 201 total tackles and three forced fumbles. Hayes— who is under contract through the 2018 season— will now join Dolphins defensemen like Cameron Wake and Andre Branch in the hopes of improving on the mere 33 sacks Miami recorded last season.

Less than two weeks before the start of the signing period, the Carolina Panthers re-signed defensive end Mario Addison to a three-year deal on Sunday.

Panthers Re-sign DE Mario Addison to 3-Year Deal

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth $22.5 million.

The 29-year-old, who is coming off his best season in the NFL, was praised by general manager Dave Gettleman. 

“Mario has shown he is one of the best emerging pass-rushers in the league and he deserves this contract,” Gettleman said in a statement, per Bryan Strickland of the team’s official website. “He consistently affects the quarterback, and we envision an increased role for him in our defense. He’s a pro in the way he approaches the game and brings an upbeat attitude to our locker room. We’re thrilled he will continue his career with the Panthers.”

Addison’s career-high 9.5 sacks in 2016 led the Panthers and his 22 QB takedowns since 2014 are also a franchise-best in that time span.

“It’s very important. … I want to get a real good contract. I want a contract where I can take care of my family and can say that I put in the work and it really paid off,” Addison reportedly told Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.

Addison is the first of Carolina’s five unrestricted free agent defensive lineman to re-sign with the team. The Panthers will likely spend big money on defensive tackle Kawann Short, who is a top-10 free agent this offseason, through either a new contract, as the team did with Addison, or a franchise tag, which would be valued at $13.615 million.

Panthers receiver Charles Johnson, 30, will also be on the market.

FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws over the head of Mario Addison #97 of the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Former Miami Dolphins and University of Georgia defensive end Quentin Moses and two other people died in a house fire in Monroe, Georgia on Sunday morning, officials stated.

Ex-Dolphins, Georgia DE Quentin Moses, Two Others Die In Fire

Officials stated the fire– which claimed the lives of the 33-year-old Moses, 31-year-old Andria Godard and her 10-year-old daughter Jasmine Godard– started around 6 am ET.

Moses was found unconscious and moved outside the house, and then pronounced dead at a local hospital. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Moses played defensive end for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2003-2005. He was then selected as a third-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL draft, but never played for the team. The Dolphins claimed him off waivers after he was released before the start of the 2007 season. In four seasons for the team, he had 3½ sacks and 35 tackles while playing on the defensive line and at linebacker.

“We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic news involving Quentin Moses. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the Dolphins said in a statement.

Moses had been an assistant coach at Reinhardt University for the past five seasons.

Jason Taylor, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year, was one of Moses’ former teammates who expressed his condolences on Twitter:

Georgia coach Kirby Smart also tweeted his regards:

Bulldogs athletic director Greg McGarity also issued a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Quentin’s family,” McGarity said. “We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news. Quentin was an outstanding representative of not only the University of Georgia but also his hometown of Athens. On behalf UGA Athletics, we extend our most sincere condolences to his family.”

Moses was a defensive MVP on Georgia’s 2005 team that won the SEC championship. He recorded a total of 133 tackles and 25 sacks in his college career.

ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 21: Quentin Moses #94 of the Georgia Bulldogs gets ready at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on October 21, 2006 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Georgia defeated Mississippi State 27-24. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Jason Pierre-Paul played on a one-year, prove-it deal with the New York Giants this season, but after his surgery late in the campaign, he isn’t willing to do this again.

Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul Says He Won’t Sign Another One-Year Contract

“I’m not playing on no one-year deal,” the defensive end said Monday, one day after the Giants’ season-ending 38-13 Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. “I’ve proved it. I’ve showed it. There is not really another guy like me out here doing it with 7½ fingers still.”

Pierre-Paul, who finished with seven sacks in 12 games before undergoing core-muscle surgery, will be a free agent this offseason. He inked a one-year contract with the Giants last winter, following a 2015 season in which he missed the first half of the year after a July 4 weekend fireworks accident that left his right hand severely injured.

Nevertheless, Pierre-Paul remains highly optimistic.

“My future is bright,” he said. “[I] Just turned 28 years old.”

Despite the defenseman’s decision, Giants general manager Jerry Reese wants Pierre-Paul, who turned 28 on Jan. 1, to remain with the team.

“Of course we want him back,” Reese said Monday. “He’s a good football player.”

When Pierre-Paul returned from his devastating hand injury for the final eight games of the 2015 season, he managed just one sack while playing with a club on his hand.

He was just finding his rhythm prior to the core-muscle injury, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors while drawing consideration for the Comeback Player of the Year award.

“This is the new me,” Pierre-Paul said in late November. “I got to adjust to what I’m capable of doing with my hand. I feel this is as well as I’ve played since my new beginning last year. I’m like a rookie all over again.”

Giants coach Ben McAdoo also praised the defensive end.

“JPP is a tremendous player, great talent, can rush the quarterback,” coach Ben McAdoo said. “Anytime you can rush the quarterback or cover somebody on defense, you’re a valuable asset. And we’ll take a look at that and talk about that here shortly.”

Pierre-Paul was a first-round pick of the Giants out of South Florida in the 2010 NFL draft. He has 365 career tackles and 50 sacks.

The Giants have several decisions to make this offseason regarding their defense. Three other players besides Pierre-Paul are set to become free agents: defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins and linebackers Kelvin Sheppard and Keenan Robinson. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also carries a hefty price tag ($9 million against the salary cap) for a third cornerback.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 05: Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Randy Gregory will be away from the NFL for quite some time.

Cowboys DE Randy Gregory Suspended At Least One Year For Violating Drug Policy

The league announced Thursday the Dallas Cowboys defensive end has been suspended at least one year for violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy.

Gregory, 24, is effectively banned from the league until the NFL reinstates him. The soonest he would be permitted to apply for reinstatement is November 6, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. 

This is the young defenseman’s third suspension in the last year. He previously served a four-game ban to open the 2016 season for his first substance abuse violation and served an additional 10-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for a second time. He also failed the drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Gregory did, however, play in the Cowboys’ Week 16 and 17 games this season, compiling eight tackles, and recorded his first career sack.

The Cowboys drafted him with the 60th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Dallas finished the regular season 13-3. They lost to the New York Giants twice and the Philadelphia Eagles in their final game on January 1.

One of the biggest trials in Saints’ history began in New Orleans this week.

Trial For Murder Of Ex-Saints DE Will Smith Begins In New Orleans

Cardell Hayes, a former semi-professional football player, has been charged with second-degree murder for killing former Saints defensive end Will Smith in a road-rage shooting on April 9 in the city.

Hayes is also charged with attempted second-degree murder for allegedly shooting and injuring Smith’s wife Racquel during the incident, as well as aggravated criminal damage to property.

Hayes’ attorney John Fuller previously stated that Hayes felt threatened and was the victim of a hit-and-run just moments before he crashed into Smith’s car. He alleges Hayes was chasing them to get license plate numbers and that Hayes called 911 to report the hit-and-run before the accident with Smith.

Pierre Thomas, a friend and former teammate of Smith, testified Wednesday that he saw Smith “slouched over the steering wheel” following a “back and forth argument” with the suspected shooter.

Thomas was occasionally emotional on the stand, where he described being in a car ahead of the Smiths when he saw smoke behind him. Thomas said he stopped, got out and realized there had been an accident. After that, he saw Smith and Hayes getting into an argument.

“I never saw any physical contact,” Thomas said.

Thomas then said he heard the first shot and saw Hayes holding a gun, shooting in the direction of Smith.

Kevin O’Neal, the passenger in Hayes’ Hummer that night, said he feared for his safety after a passenger in Smith’s SUV exited the vehicle removing his shirt and saying he wanted to fight.

“‘I feel played, I want to fight. We’re not about that life,'” O’Neal recalled the passenger saying as he testified in Hayes’ trial Thursday (Dec. 8). “They continually attacked us,” O’Neal added at another point, referring to Smith and others with him.

Hayes, 28, acknowledges he killed Smith but claims it was self-defense, says that Smith, 34, was headed to his Mercedes to get his own gun and he had no choice but to exercise the right to stand his ground.

The tension in the courtroom was palpable, as Racquel Smith stared down the defendant.

“I don’t want sympathy,” Racquel Smith said looking directly at the jury here at Orleans Criminal District Court. “I want justice for my husband. He isn’t here today but I am his voice.”

NEW ORLEANS – JANUARY 24: Will Smith #91 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings looks on during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is the latest NFL star to undergo surgery.

Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul Has Surgery Following Groin Injury, Out For Regular Season

The Pro Bowl pass rusher, who has had a great season thus far, posted a picture of himself from the hospital early Wednesday morning. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Pierre-Paul opted for surgery following a visit to core-muscle specialist Dr. William Meyers and will be out at least six weeks– in other words, for the remainder of the regular season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNtszG3DMOt/

The defensive end injured a core muscle in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This marks a devastating blow for the Giants (8-4), who will host the Dallas Cowboys (11-1) next Sunday night. The Cowboys currently hold the best record in the league, and their only loss this season came at home against the Giants in Week 1. However, New York has now lost one of their top defensemen, so the Giants will be facing a very touch challenge this weekend.

Former undrafted free agent Kerry Wynn and 2015 third-round pick Owamagbe Odighizuwa will play larger roles for the team in the next few weeks.

Pierre-Paul signed a one-year, $10 million deal to stay with the Giants before the start of the season. During the summer of 2015, he injured his right hand in a fourth-of-July fireworks incident that caused several of his fingers to explode.

He’ll hit the market shortly following his 28th birthday, which will be in January. Pierre-Paul has seven sacks on the season, and he and fellow defensive end Olivier Vernon have combined for 15 of the Giants’ 27 sacks.

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, meanwhile, will have to figure out a way to keep Cowboys star rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott behind the line on Sunday. The Giants are currently second in the NFC East.

Pierre-Paul was a major part of the only defense to slow Dallas down this season. In both teams’ opener, the Giants edged the Cowboys 20-19 and Elliott recorded a season-low 20 carries for 51 yards and just one touchdown.

Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has also played a stellar season, leading Dallas from Week 1 after the team’s usual starter, Tony Romo, injured his back during the pre-season.

The Cowboys are the only NFL team to have secured a playoff spot.

After Dallas, the Giants will host the Detroit Lions (8-4) on Dec. 18, which will surely be another difficult matchup.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 05: Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the New York Giants reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 5, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Former NFL defensive lineman Greg Hardy has expressed interest in a career in mixed martial arts, with several promotions reportedly returning that interest.

Dana White Open To Signing Ex-NFL DE Greg Hardy To UFC Only If He Gets Experience

Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting reported Tuesday that Hardy has been working on the transition with training sessions over the past few months. The 28-year-old former Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys star released a statement to the outlet regarding his decision.

“I’m very focused and excited to start my MMA career,” Hardy said. “I’m going to do this the right way; I can assure you of that.”

He continued his statement on Twitter:

UFC president Dana White has said he would consider signing Hardy, although he isn’t prepared to sign the former Pro Bowler until Hardy proves he has adequate experience in competitive MMA.

“I’m one of those guys too who believes that we’re all human beings and we all make mistakes,” White said Wednesday on FS1’s Speak for Yourself. “And when you make a mistake, you pay your penance, whatever it might be, and you should be allowed to make a living and move on in your life. Is he good enough to come into the UFC and fight? I highly doubt it.

“I’ve been playing football for a couple weeks too, maybe I’ll try out for the (New England) Patriots?” White continued, laughing. “It takes a little bit longer than that, but he could fight at one of these small shows. We’ll see how he looks, and I don’t know.”

Hardy failed to land with an NFL team as a free agent this past offseason, after a highly-controversial one-year stint with the Cowboys in 2015.

The Tennessee native was found guilty on two counts of domestic violence– assaulting a female and communicating threats– in 2014 following an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Nicole Holder, per Jim Bradley of WSOC-TV. Hardy was subsequently sentenced to 18 months probation as well as a suspended 60-day stay in jail. Those charges were dismissed on appeal, since Holder failed to appear in court for the trial.

The NFL suspended the defensive end for 10 games for “conduct detrimental to the league,” following a two-month investigation into the situation in 2015. Arbitrator Harold Henderson later reduced the ban to four games.

In September, TMZ Sports reported that Hardy was arrested for cocaine possession after police found the substance in a wallet in his vehicle. He told police somebody else placed the drug there while he was at a party the night before.

After Hardy’s MMA announcement, Fox Sports NFL and UFC reporter Jay Glazer called for fight promoters and coaches to blackball Hardy from their gyms, stating the player did not deserve the “privilege” of competing in the sport due to his past troubles and the general lack of regret shown for them.

On Wednesday, however, White disagreed with this sentiment, saying Hardy deserved a second chance as much as anyone else.

“I’m not saying he should be welcomed here, but I’m saying I’m a guy who believes that if you make a mistake, your life isn’t over, go kill yourself or something,” White said. “You made a mistake, you pay for it. When you make mistakes, it’s all about how you act from there on out. How do you handle yourself after that and what do you do to fix it.”

ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Greg Hardy #76 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 27, 2015 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

J.J. Watt will need to wait until next season to make a legitimate run at an unprecedented fourth NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Texans Put DE J.J. Watt On Injured Reserve (Back)

The defensive end re-injured his back during the Houston Texans’ 27-0 loss to the New England Patriots last Thursday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, according to several sources with direct knowledge of the situation.

The Texans also announced they re-signed veteran defensive end Antonio Smith for depth.

Watt could potentially miss the remainder of the season, according to Rapoport. Houston announced Wednesday they placed Watt on injured reserve. Coach Bill O’Brien told reporters he has no idea if his player will need to undergo surgery.

The 27-year-old star missed the entire preseason after having surgery to repair a herniated disk in late July, and is now seeking a second opinion, per ESPN’s Ed Werder. 

“We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead,” O’Brien said. “Obviously, we all feel bad for him.”

Watt has never missed a game in his six-year career, although he has suffered major injuries two of the last four times he has started. He has played in 83 straight regular-season games.

Early Thursday afternoon, the defensive end posted a message to fans on Twitter, saying he “will be back” despite his injury.

“I haven’t missed a game since my sophomore year of high school,” Watt said in the post. “This won’t be fun, but it is necessary in order for me to return to 100% and play at the level that I am capable of playing at.

“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. You are the best fans in the world and I promise to continue to do everything in my power to make you proud.”

Watt will miss at least eight weeks, which means he could be back in action Nov. 27 against the San Diego Chargers. However, a team source told Werder that “I do believe that he will miss the season, but with the new rule this year, if he were to be ready in December, he could come off IR. Long shot.”

Watt also recently revealed that he questioned whether he would play again after tearing several abdominal muscles off the bone in the Texans’ playoff loss to the Chiefs last January. Aggravating his back injury last week, Watt managed less than three tackles and zero quarterback hits for the first time since his rookie year in 2011.

Despite losing Watt, the Texans (2-1) have started the season well defensively. Backed by the linebacking quartet of Jadeveon Clowney, John Simon, Whitney Mercilus and Benardrick McKinney, Houston’s pass rush was the strongest in the NFL in Weeks 1 and 2.

Watt has recorded more sacks per game (0.92) than any player since the statistic was first instituted in 1982.

Smith played for the Texans from 2009-2013, registering 27 of his 47 career sacks with the team.

HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 09: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans warms up before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is fighting a left high ankle sprain that is expected to sideline him for the team’s next two games, but still raises questions, according to an ESPN source.

Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah Sidelined By Ankle Sprain

Ansah underwent an MRI on his ankle last week and will pursue a second opinion, which will not be given until Tuesday, per the source.

For now, the Lions do not think the injury will sideline Ansash more than the next couple of games, but the final doctor’s opinions are not in, and the Lions still need to see how quickly he can bounce back.

Ansah, a key component to Detroit’s defense, was officially ruled out Friday for the Lions’ game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Ezekiel Ansah #94 of the Detroit Lions celebrates victory during the NFL match between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium on October 26, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)