J.J. Watt was back at practice for the Houston Texans on Friday, and it’s expected he’ll suit up and play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
J.J. Watt (back) has returned to practice, to play and start Sunday against Titans, Derek Newton, Brandon Brooks dressed out for practice
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 30, 2015
Watt was held out of practice all week until Friday with a back injury, suffered in last Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The team, and Watt, has said all week that he would likely return in time to play this weekend.
“I have a minor back injury and I plan to play on Sunday,” Watt said on Wednesday, per the Houston Chronicle.
Being the warrior he is, it’s likely Watt would attempt to play even if his left leg was attached to his body by duct tape and Super Glue.
The All-Pro exploded with a huge two-sack game against the Dolphins last weekend before the back injury. He’d been quiet the two games prior, registering just four tackles and no sacks. It’s been an interesting season for Watt, who has been held in check more than once.
However, through seven games, he has 27 solo tackles and six sacks, which puts him on pace for 62 solo tackles and 15 sacks. While the sack totals aren’t as high as his 2014 and 2012 campaigns (20.5), he’s still on pace to have an outstanding season, especially when considering he is an interior lineman.
The Texans need Watt to make a few of his signature scoring plays, however, which he’s not yet accomplished this season. Sitting at 2-5 — incredibly just one game back of the division-leading Indianapolis Colts — it’s time for last year’s Defensive Player of the Year to get back to superhero status to make up for the ugly quarterback situation in Houston.
He’ll be facing Zach Mettenberger this Sunday, rather than rookie Marcus Mariota, who is still out with a knee injury. Mettenberger isn’t as mobile as Mariota, so Watt could have another big game rushing the passer.