Texans' J.J. Watt: Practice appearance imminent?

Watt (back) expects to participate in practice next week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis:

In the days leading up to training camp, Watt opted to have surgery on a herniated disk that plagued him throughout the 2015 season. The procedure was accompanied by an expectation that he'd miss a handful of games to kick off the regular season, but a return to practice next week would amend that assessment. Considering he played through back, groin, and hand concerns last season, Watt has displayed an ability to play through the pain, and his presence in Week 1 would boost the prospects of the Texans' defense.