Texans not ruling out possibility of J.J. Watt returning

Texans coach Bill O'Brien didn't rule out a potential scenario where star defensive end J.J. Watt could be designated for return from injured reserve.

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Watt is making steady progress from a torn pectoral suffered in October against the Oakland Raiders. And the Texans, who previously activated tight end Jordan Thomas from injured reserve-designated to return, have an available designation they can use for Watt.

"I'm going to tell you that J.J. is working very, very hard and he has certainly made progress based solely on his work ethic and who he's working with in the training room," O'Brien said Monday…