As the NFL season rapidly approaches, the status of star defensive end J.J. Watt remains a mystery for the Texans.
The four-time Pro Bowler has been recovering from offseason back surgery, but there is a fear he may miss the start of the season.
"He's really on an upward trajectory." Texans coach Bill O'Brien told ESPN. "Everything is going in the right direction. I don't think we can predict whether he'll be ready for Week 1 or Week 2, but he's going to be ready sooner rather than later."
There is a concern that Watt won't suit up when the Texans host the Bears for Week 1 action on Sept. 11.
He may also miss the team's next game in Week 2 when they host the Chiefs. If that happens, he may be available for the quick turnaround in Week 3 when Houston heads to New England to battle Jimmy Garoppolo and the Patriots on "Thursday Night Football."
Watt underwent back surgery on July 21 and had a diagnosis of 8-10 weeks for a return, and he still seems to be following that path.
Since joining the Texans following being drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft with the No. 11 overall pick, Watt hasn't missed a single game for Houston. In five seasons, Watt has recorded 74.5 sacks and was named Defensive Player of the Year three times.
The loss of Watt would obviously be huge for Houston to start the season.
Armed with a new quarterback in Brock Osweiler, who spurned the defending champion Broncos by signing a four-year, $75 million contract with the Texans this offseason, the team is looking to expand upon last year's success.
Houston finished 9-7 for the second consecutive season last year, but this time it was good enough for first in the AFC South. The Texans went on to get shutout by the Chiefs, 30-0, in the Wild Card round, but will hope to have a better showing this season.
Watt, 27, played in all 16 games last season and recorded 17.5 sacks.
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