The Houston Texans are in the middle of a playoff race with the Indianapolis Colts for the top spot in the AFC South standings thanks in large part to J.J. Watt. The superstar defensive end for the Texans is currently nursing a broken left hand and is wearing cast, but he is playing against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

NFL.com reports that there are no specific details given by Watt or the Texans regarding the severity of the injury and it is speculated that the break is severe enough to require a cast. Deadspin noted that Watt broke his hand during a drill. He has also been dealing with a groin injury in recent weeks but played in 60 of the 62 of Houston's snaps in last Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills.

The 26-year-old has also been limited in a couple of practices this season with an illness and back issues. However, he has played in all of the games this season and still has not missed any games in his career with 76 consecutive games played since 2011.

Watt told ESPN that he is not afraid if the Patriots or any other teams try to go after his injuries. "Let them try. The opposing players come after me every week with every type of thing in the book you can think of. So feel free, go ahead, come at me. I'll take advantage of whatever you try to do," he said.

"I expect to play fully, don't really plan on adjusting anything or doing anything differently. Just going to play the game the way I play it," Watt added.

Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel said that Watt will have a hard time playing because he can't grip with the left hand but also thinks he will adjust and adapt to his situation. ESPN noted that the three-time Pro Bowler is regularly doubled and tripled team by opponents, but is still leading the NFL with 13.5 sacks in 12 games this season.

On the official website of the Texans, Watt revealed that he will be wearing a cast on his hand in addition to his signature elbow brace against the Patriots. He also said he still plans to continue his pregame ritual of playing catch with the fans but admits that he might drop a few.

If ever the injury gets worse, Houston still has Christian Covington and Jeoffrey Pagan with sophomore Jadeveon Clowney to replace him in the lineup, per Bleacher Report.