Most people wouldn't want to stand across from menacing defensive end J.J. Watt for an entire game, and it appears Eric Fisher might be counted among them.
The Chiefs right tackle sat out Sunday's opener against the Texans, stating he couldn't play due to a high left ankle sprain. Jah Reid started in his place and Kansas City defeated Houston 27-20 to open up the season.
Model Lindsey Pelas Hints At J.J. Watt Encounter
Fisher informed the team late last week that he wasn't fit to start and the team relayed the information to the media, while also stating he "wasn't authorized to speak publicly," according to the Houston Chronicle.
The story with Fisher didn't end there.
Multiple Reasons Led To Benching Of RG3 In Washington
Ex-Chief defensive end Shaun Smith opened up some controversy when he authored a tweet that claimed Fisher didn't start because he was afraid of Watt and didn't want to face him.
Smith played with the Chiefs for 2010 and then returned to Kansas City for the final eight games of his career in 2012, and here he was at the start of 2015 creating a firestorm. Following the loss, coach Andy Reid had to defend his injured player instead of talking about what happened during the game. Reid also said that he made the decision to sit Fisher out.
"I got to the point where [the ankle] wasn't getting better," Reid told ESPN. "So from that point, I had to make a decision and there was no time. We are talking Friday, right? I looked at the tape on Thursday ... and it wasn't right. He was trying to push through, but he was having a hard time getting his hips through and ... so I said, 'Hey, listen, we can't put him in a position like that.' So we went with Jah."
Fisher was asked about the mysterious injury and also said it was the coaching staff's decision to have him sit out.
"[The Chiefs coaches and medical staff] just said the medicals weren't ready yet and that I was a backup, emergency player," Fisher said via ESPN. "It was completely their decision."
As for taking on Watt, it didn't matter who was facing him as the hulking defensive end couldn't be stopped. The three-time Pro Bowler had two sacks and nine solo tackles in the game, playing a major role despite the team's loss.
Even after Reid and Fisher both explained the situation, Smith stood by his statement.
"It's my opinion and I played with guys that be scared of a challenge in the locker room we call them Jag= just another guy," Smith told ESPN in an email.
Injury or not, it's hard to not be intimidated by Watt's presence on the line.
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
