Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt did not practice for the fifth consecutive day Thursday.
Coach Bill O’Brien told reporters he is not concerned with Watt’s availability.
“He’s doing fine,” O’Brien said via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I mean, he’s played a lot of football and he knows how to play football what’s important for him and for us is he’s in great condition and that he’s ready to go on Sept. 10.”
O’Brien emphasized that each player has a different “ramp-up” as it relates to getting into football shape and being ready for the regular season. Because the NFL was unable to have offseason workouts during the spring, which would have helped players stay in shape and allowed training camp to be for football.
“Everybody’s ramp-up is different and unique,” said O’Brien. “I know you guys, that’s a really important part of your job, is seeing who’s out there. I wouldn’t read too much into that going forward. I really wouldn’t.”
Watt has missed 32 games over the past four seasons due to injuries, though he did log a complete 16-game season in 2018 complete with 16.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and an All-Pro selection.
