The 2017 Houston Texans season was a disappointing campaign, as the team finished with a 4–12 record, last place in the AFC South, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 under head coach Bill O'Brien. The season was defined by devastating injuries, most notably to rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who broke rookie records before tearing his ACL in practice after Week 8, forcing the team to rely on backup Tom Savage, who couldn't fill the void. Defensive end J. J. Watt also suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5, marking his second consecutive early exit. The team underwent coaching changes in January, parting ways with offensive coordinator George Godsey and promoting Mike Vrabel to defensive coordinator, while Wes Welker was hired as an assistant coach. Off the field, the season was notable as Bob McNair's last full season as owner (he died in 2018), and a preseason game was cancelled due to flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Early highlights included Watson's 49-yard touchdown run in his first start against the Bengals, but the offensive line struggled mightily, allowing 10 sacks in the season opener against the Jaguars.