NFL Rumors: J.J. Watt plans to play Week 1
By Brad Weiss
Houston Texans star J.J. Watt plans to play in Week 1, though he would not guarantee it.
For the Houston Texans, J.J. Watt has been a constant in their lineup. Arguably the best defensive player in the National Football League, Watt has not missed a game in his career, and his goal is to keep it that way.
Related Story: DeAndre Hopkins will return to Texans camp
“I can’t put a solid start date on when I’ll be able to play,’ Watt said, according to The Houston Chronicle’s John McCain. “I’ve never missed a game in five years. I don’t see this as a problem, and I don’t plan on missing my first game.”
This month, Watt underwent surgery on his back, which was his second surgery in the last six months. The 2015 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt is the backbone of the Houston Texans defense, and his absence would be sorely missed.
Though he wants to be back on the field as soon as possible, Watt knows he has to listen to his doctors.
“I’m doing everything I can to protect my body, and I’m being smart about it,” Watt told McCain. “But I’m always going to push myself to the limit. That’s what’s gotten me where I am. I’ve got to really listen to the doctors on this one because it’s my back. I’m doing everything they say. As soon as the doctors tell me it’s safe to be on the field I’ll be out there. I feel good. My body feels good.”
In five seasons, Watt has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times, including the last two seasons. He is the heart and soul of the team, and at 27-years old, should still have a lot of good football left.
The Texans head into the 2016 season with a brand new quarterback, as the team signed Brock Osweiler this off-season. Osweiler will have his number one target at training camp this year, as DeAndre Hopkins ended his mini-holdout on Saturday.
Houston will open up it’s 2016 season at home against the Chicago Bears on September 11. They will be expected to battle for a division title in 2016, and will need a healthy Watt if they want to contend for a playoff spot.
For more NFL news, check out our hub page.