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The Houston Texans are officially designating JJ Watt to return off the injured reserve list, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media also added that with the designation it opens up the window for Watt to start practicing with the team. This is a big step for Watt as he looks to return from a torn pec.
Watt's practice window opens today. A big, and improbable, addition for the stretch run. https://t.co/tfUC69fkcK
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 24, 2019
This is an interesting development after Bill O'Brien deflected questions about Watt when asked by reporters.
“I’m going to pass on that question,” O’Brien said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I’m not up here to talk about J.J. We’ll get to that when we get to that, whether it’s this season or offseason or whenever.”
O'Brien was asked again and said reiterated it wasn't something that he was ready to talk about.
“Obviously with J.J. and everything that he’s done for our football team, any time you have a great player that’s been out and the rules allow you to bring him back and help your team,” O’Brien added.
Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus suffered a more serious version of the same injury back in 2016 and knows what it's like to come back from the injury. He said he was shocked to see how quickly Watt has been able to get to the point he has.
“To get back to full strength, a total of eight months and whatnot. His is completely different. Now, he’s cranking out push-ups. All the power to him. I never want to wish anybody to have a torn pectoral at all. It was terrible.”
It's still unclear if Watt will come back this year, but if nothing else this is a step right in the direction.
