Watt ahead of schedule during rehab
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is considered ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from back surgery to repair a herniated disk, an optimistic outlook for the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt had two procedures to address his back problems and was limited to three games this season, but he is expected back for next season.
Watt has been working out diligently at the Texans’ training facility, running and lifting weights in recent months as he works to strengthen his surgically repaired back.
Although it’s unclear what type of activities Watt will be cleared to participate in this offseason, there’s hope that he’ll do some work during organized team activities. Watt has been gaining weight back now that he’s cleared to lift weights. He had gotten much lighter to reduce the strain on his back and hadn’t been able to maintain his bulk during his initial convalescence.
“No idea about the timetable for the offseason, but I can tell you he’s doing well,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s in there working very hard to get better. He’s been in there every day. You can see him out on the field running, you can see him doing different things in the weight room. So to no one’s surprise, I’m sure that he’s ahead of schedule.”
Watt became a fixture on the sideline during the AFC South champions’ playoff run, cheering on teammates like Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
The Texans had the topranked defense without Watt, who led the NFL in 2015 with 17½ sacks and 29 tackles for losses. Teammates marvel over how formidable the defense could be with Watt back in the lineup.
“I tell him every time I see him I’m excited for him to come back,” cornerback A.J. Bouye said. “He’s looking amazing right now. He’s working out, so I can tell he’s motivated and ready to come back and help the team.”
Personality shined through
The fun-loving, irrepressible personality of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was on full display throughout a breakthrough season.
As Clowney emerged as a Pro Bowl selection in the absence of injured defensive end J.J. Watt, he became comfortable enough to do everything from exhort teammates on the sidelines, to playful banter with reporters, to rapping in the locker room and dancing on the practice field.
A former top overall pick from South Carolina, Clowney had an altogether different persona this season as he overcame a past riddled with injuries to record a career-high six sacks and 16 tackles for losses this season. His play was even more disruptive and forceful than his statistics showed.
Clowney was voted first-team All-NFL on Monday by the Pro Football Writers of America.
“His personality came through with the success he was having on the field,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “His health, you know he was banged up, but I mean overall, pretty healthy. So he was out there and he was such an active player that that’s what happens. When you have success on the field, you’re able to instill more of your personality in the locker room.”
Johnson on comeback trail
Still on crutches and in a walking boot after recently undergoing foot surgery, cornerback Kevin Johnson is planning his comeback.
As the Texans’ players cleaned out their lockers Monday following an AFC divisional-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Johnson is recuperating from his second Jones fracture and is upbeat about his future after undergoing the same procedure following his rookie season a year ago. Jones expects to be ready in time for the offseason training program and practices.
“No question about it,” Johnson said. “I’m looking to be back healthy and get better, bigger, faster and stronger and just be the best player I can be. I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited about it.”
Johnson broke the bone in his foot in October against the Indianapolis Colts. Initially, the thought was to let it heal naturally, but then the decision was reversed to address it surgically.
Johnson’s loss represented a major blow to the Texans’ top-ranked defense, but they carried on well without him due to the presence of cornerbacks A.J. Bouye, Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson. In two NFL seasons, Johnson has recorded 73 tackles, 12 passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery.
Long road back for Newton
The gruesome injury suffered by offensive tackle Derek Newton against the Denver Broncos involved two torn patellar tendons as both legs awkwardly bent backward while he was trying to block outside linebacker Von Miller.
Newton somehow avoided tearing his anterior cruciate ligament ut underwent two lengthy surgeries.
This injury has prevented NFL players who’ve suffered this injury before, including former Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis and former Cleveland Browns cornerback Gary Baxter, from resuming their careers. However, there is some guarded optimism surrounding Newton eventually playing again due to the improvements in medical science and his strong work ethic.
“It was a tough injury,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a great guy. I don’t think anybody has any idea as far as his timetable, but I know this: We’ll do a good job of taking care of him. We care about Derek.”
Offseason roster is filling up
The Texans signed eight players to reserve-future deals, adding them from their practice squad.
The players were running back Kenny Hilliard, defensive end Brandon Dunn, tight end RaShaun Allen, offensive tackle Laurence Gibson, wide receiver Tevin Jones, outside linebacker Eric Lee, inside linebacker Shakeel Rashad and offensive guard Chad Slade.