Report: Watt could return for Week 17, expected back for playoffs

It appears the Houston Texans will receive a significant boost to their defense in short order.

Star defensive lineman J.J. Watt could return for the final game of the regular season if Houston doesn't wrap up a playoff berth Saturday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

If the Texans do clinch, Watt is expected to be rested and return for the wild-card game, Rapoport adds.

Watt suffered a torn pectoral in October and was slated to miss the rest of the season, but Houston reserved its final IR-return spot for him.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has progressed quickly in his recovery and will return to practice either this week or next.

Houston would clinch the AFC South with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.