Texans uncertain if J.J. Watt will be healthy enough to play in first two games

The Defensive Player of the Year has never missed a regular-season game

Texans coach Bill O'Brien still isn't sure if J.J. Watt will be able to play in the team's first two regular-season games; last season's Defensive Player of the Year has been on the physically unable to perform list since July 25 after undergoing back surgery.

"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," O'Brien told ESPN's Ed Werder.

Watt has never missed a game during his five NFL seasons, but injuries caught up to him last season, including a groin injury that rendered him ineffective in a playoff matchup against usually ineffective Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher.

Watt may want to return to the field as soon as possible, but there's really no need to rush it. Watching him dominate one-one-one matchups (and sometimes double- and triple-teams) didn't mask the Texans' quarterback issues in previous seasons and it won't happen this time around either.

Put another way: The Texans aren't going to make the playoffs in September, and the biggest issue facing the team is getting new quarterback Brock Osweiler comfortable in the offense.

The Texans host the Bears in the season opener, then the Chiefs a week later before traveling to New England to face the Patriots on Thursday Night Football.