Watt acknowledges risk of re-injury upon return to practice
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is comfortable returning from injured reserve knowing there's a chance he could re-tear his pectoral muscle.
"There's two options: it's either going to hold up or it's not," he told reporters, via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Texans reportedly opened Watt's practice window Tuesday, giving him 21 days to be reinstated to the active roster. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was originally ruled out for the remainder of the season after going down Oct. 27 but is set to beat his recovery timeline by several weeks.
"We've kept it pretty quiet," he said, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "We didn't know for a long time. You never want to over-promise and under-deliver."
The 30-year-old said he's willing to risk another major injury for the opportunity to participate in the playoffs and chase a Super Bowl title. He added he doesn't expect to be used on an every-down basis upon rejoining the lineup.
Watt posted 24 tackles and four sacks in the first eight games of the season. He had 16 sacks a year ago, finishing second in Comeback Player of the Year voting to Andrew Luck.
Injuries have limited Watt to 32 games over the last four years.
The Texans already clinched the AFC South, giving them four division titles in a five-year span.