HOUSTON -- Texans defensive end J.J. Watt practiced on Monday for the first time this offseason.
"It felt really good to be back with my teammates and feel part of the squad again," Watt said. "My body felt great. Performed really well."
Watt had been forced to watch practice as he rehabs from major surgery. In January, he had an operation to repair five fully or partially torn core-area muscles: three adductors and two abdominal muscles.
Although Watt never missed a game, he suffered several injuries last season. He also played through a broken hand last season and a herniated disk. He didn't need surgery for either injury and has not missed a game since being drafted in the first round in 2011. Even with all that turmoil, Watt won his third defensive player of the year award for his 17.5-sack 2015 season.
Watt's return was up to the Texans' training staff. A few weeks ago he indicated he wanted to be on the field, adding that whether he practices is not up to him.
From the very beginning of practice, Watt's delight at returning to the field was evident. He batted down quarterback Brock Osweiler's first pass of team drills and shouted afterward.
"We're in no pads in the middle of [June]," Texans' coach Bill O'Brien said. "Not sure he's back to his old ways when we're not in full pads yet. It was good to have him out there."