Report: Texans’ J.J. Watt could return for playoffs

JJ-Watt-Houston-Texans

Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (Eric Christian Smith/AP)

Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt could return from injury in time for the playoffs, according to NFL Networks’ Ian Rapoport.

Watt tore his pectoral muscle during the Texans’ Week 8 win over the Oakland Raiders and was expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

However, according to Rapoport, the Texans are able to designate one more player to return from IR and are believed to be saving that spot for Watt.

The five-time pro-bowler is expected to have an MRI in a few weeks to gauge whether or not he is able to return. If he is healthy, it is reported he could be back as early as Week 17 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans.

The Texans currently sit atop the AFC South at 7-4, holding a slim lead over the Titans and Indianapolis Colts, both 6-5, with two games to go against the Titans.

Watt, a three-time defensive player of the year, had 15 solo tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in eight games before suffering the injury on Oct. 27. The Texans have gone 2-1 in his absence and play host to the AFC-leading New England Patriots (10-1) on Sunday night.

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