O'Brien: J.J. Watt is progressing well

HOUSTON – With three weeks remaining until the Houston Texans open the regular season, Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien sounded optimistic about the return of star defensive end J.J. Watt from back surgery.

"Knowing J.J. the way I do that he’ll be back sooner rather than later," O'Brien said on Sunday as the team begins preparations for their third preseason game.

Watt had back surgery for a herniated disc in late July just before training camp began with an estimated recovery time of eight to ten weeks.

"I just don’t think anybody can predict when J.J. will be back," O'Brien added. "He’s progressing really well.

"He’s been able to do some things on the Alter-G Treadmill in there which is a really good sign so as you guys would expect J.J. is really wanting to do a lot more and he’s doing a good job of following the doctor’s orders but we feel good about where’s he’s at right now relative to the beginning of the season.”