Just as he predicted all along, J.J. Watt is apparently set to play in the Texans' season opener.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who underwent surgery July 20 to repair a herniated disk, spent the entire preseason on the physically unable to perform list. But the Texans activated Watt Saturday, and ESPN.com reported Sunday he is expected to play in the team's opener Sept. 11 against the Bears.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien told reporters Friday Watt "feels much better," although he didn't confirm he would play in the opener.
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“I would say we're heading in the right direction," O'Brien said. "He certainly feels much better, obviously than he did two weeks ago ... I know that it looks decent for him to be able to play in the first game.”
Despite O'Brien's seeming tenuous respone, Watt tweeted on Sunday that he's ready to go.
It's Time. pic.twitter.com/znUQN9EkK5
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 5, 2016
Watt had maintained since having the surgery he would be ready, despite reports his recovery could take up to 10 weeks, which would have caused him to miss the team's first two or three games.
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But entering his sixth NFL season, Watt has yet to miss a game. Last season he played through a rash of injuries, including a broken hand, herniated disk, and torn muscles, to win his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.