J.J. Watt practices without cast

J.J. Watt could soon be club-free.

The Houston Texans defensive end practiced without a cast Friday for the first time since fracturing his left hand.

Watt has been forced to change his playing style because of the club he's been wearing during games, which covers all of his fingers. Even simple tasks like putting on headphones have been difficult for him.

"I've said it over the last few weeks - you have to have a club on that hand, it's tough for defensive linemen when they can't have full use of their hand," head coach Bill O'Brien told reporters, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. "I think we're trying that out. Whether that is what he'll wear on Sunday, not sure yet, but he tried it out in practice and that's what we're looking at."

In the three games since injuring his hand, Watt has nine tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble.