J.J. Watt took another step forward in his preparation for Week 1.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year returned to the practice field for the first time in months Monday morning. This was an expected development after the Texans announced Sunday that Watt had passed a physical and was cleared to return to the field.
"I would say that he will play," coach Bill O'Brien said Monday about Watt's status for this week.
The news comes after coach Bill O'Brien noted last week that Watt was "headed in the right direction" to play this week.
Watt underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in July and played through a handful of core muscle injuries last season.
With Watt on track for the opener, the Texans' defense should be in full force versus the Chicago Bears.
