The Texans began preparation for their Wild Card matchup Saturday against the Bills and received some good news regarding two of the team’s most important players, but some disheartening news for another.
Officially back: the Texans have activated DL J.J. Watt to the 53-man roster and he will play on Saturday, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 31, 2019
The team placed starting S Tashaun Gispon on IR to make room for Watt.
According to reports, the Texans are activating J.J. Watt from injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 8 against the Raiders.
In a corresponding move, the team is placing safety Tashaun Gipson on injured reserve, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Tashaun Gipson had a broken wrist this season and a transverse process fracture in his lower back, dealing with other injuries throughout the season. Placed on injured reserve today
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 31, 2019
Gipson played and started in 14 games this season and played a key role to the improvement of the secondary. However, Gipson has been playing banged up for majority of the year and is not healthy for the NFL Playoffs.
Texans wide receiver Will Fuller is practicing as is J.J. Watt
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 31, 2019
Will Fuller V is also back in action at practice, a good sign that he should be available for Saturday’s game.
The Texans are 8-3 in games where Fuller plays this season and 2-4 in games without him. Having Fuller in action Saturday would certainly help the Texans.
Texans' Will Fuller, Jahleel Addae, Johnathan Joseph, Jacob Martin, Bradley Roby, Kenny Stills, Laremy Tunsil were limited in practice Tuesday. Deshaun Watson no longer listed on injury report after having a back injury listed last week
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 31, 2019
Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle also reported that several Texans who did not play Sunday against the Titans are practicing today — another good sign for Saturday.