A Christmas Miracle: Texans DE J.J. Watt designated to return from injured reserve

The Houston Texans got a treat in their stocking for Christmas to help with their impending playoff run.

According to multiple reports, defensive end J.J. Watt has been designed to return from injured reserve, and he returned to practice for the Texans on Tuesday.

Texans designating J.J. Watt for return from injured reserve today. He will return to practice, then can be activated to play in the playoffs. He underwent surgery in October for a torn pectoral

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 24, 2019

The #Texans are officially designating star DE JJ Watt to return off Injured Reserve today, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. A big step toward Watt returning from a torn pec.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2019

Watt landed on IR when he tore his pectoral muscle on Oct. 27 in a win over the Oakland Raiders. While it seemed that Watt would finish his ninth NFL season on IR, and have his season summarily ended for the third time in four seasons, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year’s return ensures that will not be the case.

The Texans host the Tennessee Titans for a Week 17 season finale at NRG Stadium. It is unlikely Watt will return in that contest. The Texans are locked in to wild-card weekend, and he will more than likely return for their postseason game set for Jan. 4 or 5.