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Watt planning to play Week 1, but won't make guarantees

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt has yet to miss a game during his five-year NFL career. He doesn't plan on doing so in 2016, but won't make any promises about his readiness for Week 1 following offseason back surgery.

"I can't put a solid start date on when I'll be able to play,' Watt said, according to The Houston Chronicle's John McCain. "I've never missed a game in five years. I don't see this as a problem, and I don't plan on missing my first game."

While Watt said he's itching to get back on the field, he'll listen to his doctors' recommendations about his return and not try and rush back.

"I'm glad we found it when we did because it could have been a lot worse," Watt said. "Obviously, it was the roughest year of my career (because of injuries). That's something that comes with playing in the NFL.

"I'm doing everything I can to protect my body, and I'm being smart about it. But I'm always going to push myself to the limit. That's what's gotten me where I am. I've got to really listen to the doctors on this one because it's my back. I'm doing everything they say. As soon as the doctors tell me it's safe to be on the field I'll be out there. I feel good. My body feels good."

Watt also defended receiver DeAndre Hopkins' decision to stay away from training camp as he seeks a new contract extension, though Hopkins announced later that day he was ending his holdout.

"I'm a player so I advocate players getting paid," Watt said. "If I was in the front office, I'm sure my answer would be different. But I'm a player, so I know careers are short. So if he feels this is what he needs to do, then that's what he feels he needs to do."

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