If the Bears thought they might be let off the hook by facing a Texans team lacking J.J. Watt in the opening week of the season, they might be disappointed come Sept. 11. Watt, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year who is recovering from back surgery, might not miss any time after all.
On Monday, Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he can "definitely see" Watt playing in the first game of the season, but he "won't commit to it," according to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. McClain then added that he expects Watt to play and start against the Bears.
That's a huge development for the Texans. When news of Watt's surgery broke in July, NFL.com's Mike Garafola reported that Watt could be out up to 10 weeks. And Watt himself said that he couldn't promise to be available Week 1.
O'Brien didn't promise anything Monday, but he probably wouldn't have made that comment if he didn't feel confident in Watt's status.
Though Watt might still be bothered by his back, that shouldn't be too much of an issue. After all, Watt shook off a long list of injuries last year to capture his third defensive player of the year award. He played through a broken hand, herniated disk, and five fully or partially torn core muscles.
Unfortunately for the Bears, they're going through some issues up front. They already lost center Hroniss Grasu for the season and Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long is dealing with a shoulder injury. If Watt is healthy and Long isn't, Watt might will feast on the Bears.
After hosting the Bears, the Texans' attention will turn to the Chiefs and Patriots -- two playoff teams from a year ago. So, Watt will be needed, even if the Texans' new-look offense turned some heads Sunday.
