Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien has kept the door open for J.J Watt returning to the team during the postseason. O'Brien was asked Monday about Watt and coach said he was worked hard and made a lot of progress the last couple of weeks.

“J.J. is working very very hard,” O’Brien said, via Aaron Reiss of TheAthletic.com. “He’s certainly made progress based on his work ethic and who he’s working with in the training room. We will see how it goes.”

Watt suffered a torn pectoral muscle during Week 8 and the pass rush has really fallen off since he has played. Watt is currently on IR, but the Texans could still designate him to return.

The Texans are in great shape to win the division after the Texans beat the Tennessee Titans in their last game and if they win out, they are going to be in great shape.

There is a chance that Watt could return during Week 17 which would be the best-case scenario for the Texans. That would give him a chance to get back into the flow of the game, even if he was limited during the game.

If Watt was to return there is no chance he is going to be close to 100 percent, but a 65 or 70 percent healthy Watt would even be a boost, that's how bad the pass defense has been.

Look for more updates to come in the coming weeks, but the fact there is a chance is a good sign for the Texans and their chances once they get to the playoffs.