After locking up the AFC South title with a win over the Buccaneers on Sunday, the Houston Texans were already having a very happy holiday.
But, according to one Saint Nick, they were a little extra nice in 2019, as they received a second present. J.J. Watt, All-Pro defensive end, tore his pectoral muscle back in October and has since been on injured reserve.
However, the 30-year-old will be returning to practice this week, as the Texans designated him to return. In all likelihood, that means he will be back just in time for the Texans postseason run.
Watt hasn’t played since Week 8 and had surgery two days following the injury.
Rumors had been swirling over the past week or so that Watt might be made eligible to return –– and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday “Well, help is on the way for this Texans defense. J.J. Watt tweeted a couple of days ago ‘It’s not over though.’ The reason he tweeted that he is, in fact, expected to be back at practice for the Houston Texans. Surely if the playoffs are still in doubt, expect him back Week 17. If they clinch, the players don’t need to win next week –– then the likely time when J.J. Watt will be back in practice is the first week of the playoffs. Remember, he’s recovering from a torn pec. It is going extremely well. Expect him back on the field this season for Houston.”
With Watt back, the Texans defense will be that much of a tougher test for opposing offenses come playoff time.
