Texans stars J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins begin training camp on PUP list

Alexis Mansanarez

Texans stars J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins begin training camp on PUP list image

Houston will be without two of its stars at the start of training camp this week.

The Texans have placed J.J. Watt and DeAndre Hopkins on the active/physically unable to perform list, the team announced Sunday.

The two stars can be activated by Houston at any time, and both are expected to begin practicing soon and be ready in time for the season opener on Sept. 9, according to a report from the Houston Chronicle.

The report noted Watt practiced throughout the offseason and said "he felt great."

The five-time Pro Bowl player underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in January following a comeback season.

After playing in just eight games over the 2016 and 2017 seasons, Watt played and started in all 16 games last year. He recorded 16 sacks — 4 1/2 shy of his career high — and seven forced fumbles.

"Everybody told me I was washed up but there are a whole bunch of people that helped me get back," Watt told ESPN. "It means a lot and feels good just to be back in the game and to be able to perform the way I know I can perform.

"I don't blame anyone who didn't know if I was going to be the same again, because there were times I didn't know."

Hopkins, however, did not participate in OTAs and was bothered by nagging foot and shoulder injuries last season. 

He caught 115 passes for 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns as the Texans went 11-5 to and won the AFC South. Houston went on to lose to Indianapolis in the Wild Card playoffs, where Hopkins sustained the injury to his shoulder.

Fellow wide receiver DeAndre Carter joins the two on the PUP list while outside linebacker Jamal Davis II was placed on the active/non-football illness list.

Tackle Walter Palmore and tight end Kahale Warring were put on the active/non-football injury list.

 

Alexis Mansanarez