J.J. Watt left the Houston Texans in good position with a 5-3 record when he tore his pectoral muscle in a 27-24 win over the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 27.
In the seven games since, the Texans have compiled a 5-2 record and won the AFC South for the sixth time in franchise history, fourth time in five seasons, and also for the second straight year.
To miss out on a 26-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, see them get creamed 41-7 in Baltimore by the Ravens, and not be on the field for the 28-22 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday Night Football at NRG Stadium has been a combination of agony and excitement for the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s tough to watch, but it’s also fun for me to watch, because I love these guys,” Watt told reporters Tuesday. “I mean, I love watching them play, I love watching them compete. I love when somebody makes a big play. I’m probably cheering louder than anybody else out there on my couch when we’re on the road and when we’re on the sideline at home. I get so excited.”
Part of what keeps Watt stoked about the Texans, even though he hasn’t been able to materially affect the on-field product, is the connection he has to the locker room.
“I truly love the locker room,” said Watt. “I truly love the guys and being around it. So, for me to watch it and to be able to take joy in their success is a lot of fun.”
Watt will have a chance to partake in the Texans’ success on the field as the club activated the All-Pro defensive end from injured reserve on Tuesday. Though Watt has 96.0 career sacks, he is hoping to add to his 5.0 postseason sack total en route to the Texans’ first playoff win since Jan. 7, 2017, over the Raiders at NRG Stadium.