Bill O’Brien: JJ Watt ‘working very, very hard’ to return in 2019

Could J.J. Watt beat the odds and play again in 2019? Coach Bill O’Brien isn’t ruling it out.

On Monday, O’Brien said Watt is “working very, very hard” to rehab his torn pectoral, and refused to rule out the defensive lineman playing before the end of the season.

Bill O'Brien on the possibility of J.J. Watt returning this season: "J.J. is working very very hard. He's certainly made progress based on his work ethic and who he's working with in the training room. We will see how it goes."

— Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) December 16, 2019

Considering Watt was ruled out for the season less than two months ago, this would really be something. It would also be a huge boost to the Texans, whose pass rush has suffered in his absence.

Watt had 24 total tackles and four sacks in eight games this season. The AFC South divisional title still hangs in the balance, plus potential playoff games if the Texans can get themselves in. Watt’s mere presence would definitely give the defensive line a boost in those games.