Watt missed the entire preseason on the physically unable to perform list after having back surgery in July.
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Watt missed all of training camp and the Texans’ four preseason games after surgery to fix a herniated disc in his back in July. Watt is expected to play in next Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s hard to underestimate Watt’s impact on a Texans team that is hoping to win the AFC South for a second straight year. While it’s unclear how many snaps Watt will be able to handle immediately upon his return, the Texans will definitely be glad to have him back in the fold in any capacity.
Monday brought further reason to believe that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will be in his customary spot on the defensive line. Apparently Watt answered the final questions the Texans had about his back.
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If the Bears are forced to face a Texans’ team with Watt, they’ll need all hands on deck to protect Jay Cutler from the likely assault No. 99 will deliver. Neither player participated in training camp or played in any of the Texans preseason games. But it’s Watt, and he’s not a bad bet to overcome those things.
