Titans could face Texans with J.J. Watt in Week 17

There is a chance that star pass-rusher J.J. Watt could make his return for the Houston Texans just in time to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.

There have been hints that star pass-rusher J.J. Watt could return this season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle earlier in the year, and it looks as though that return could happen in Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans.

Watt tweeted this out two days ago.

And, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it isn’t over for Watt, who could return in Week 17 if the Houston Texans don’t clinch a playoff berth in Week 16. If Houston does clinch a spot, Watt is likely to wait until the first playoff game to make his return.

There are a few ways the Texans could clinch a playoff berth this week.

If the Texans beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday or the Titans lose on Sunday, Houston will be the AFC South winner. Even if the Texans lose and the Titans win in Week 16, a Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the New York Jets will guarantee the Texans a spot in the playoffs.

Watt’s potential return would obviously be horrible timing for the Titans, as facing him would likely mean Tennessee still has a chance at the division, and the Texans are clearly a better defense with their star pass-rusher on the field.

Over the course of his Hall of Fame career, Watt has been a nightmare for the Titans to deal with. In 13 games, Watt has totaled 17 sacks, 57 tackles and 35 QB hits. The good news in facing Watt would be that it’s quite possible he’s rusty and not himself in his first game back.

Of course, this could all be for naught if the Texans clinch a playoff spot in one of the three possible ways in Week 16, but Tennessee’s matchup with Houston will undoubtedly be at least a bit harder if Watt plays.