Texans' J.J. Watt: Begins running at practice

Watt (back) was able to do some running drills on the side at practice Monday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN reports.

Analysis:

Watt is just over a month removed from back surgery that was expected to sideline him for 6-to-10 weeks, and he still appears to be on that timetable. He only ran for around 10 minutes and wasn't going full speed Monday, but his presence and activity is a positive sign for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. His status for Week 1 remains unknown, and a return then would fall right around the six-week time frame. As long as he's out, look for Christian Covington to continue to see extra reps in practice and games.