JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Deshaun Watson did not fly with the Houston Texans to Jacksonville because the team was concerned about the effect the air pressure could have on the quarterback's bruised lung and injured ribs.
Instead, Watson took a 12-hour bus ride to Jacksonville with three other people.
"It was smooth," he said. "We just kind of hung out. Watched the film, recovery stuff, played a game, watched TV, slept. Stopped and got something to eat. That was pretty much it."
Teammate J.J. Watt said that Watson's alternative transportation "sounds like it was a pretty sweet deal."
"It's a tour bus. I'm sure he had some good food. Probably a bed you could lay down and sleep in," Watt said. "Meanwhile, we were stuck in coach seats on an airplane. I may see if I can hop in on the way back with him. See if he can ice up some beer and have a good time."
Watson joked that he has "plenty of room" for Watt, adding, "Got a little studio in the back ... might make an album or something. So I'm all good."
Watson has been playing through injuries since the Texans' Week 5 victory over the Cowboys. He was listed with a chest injury on the injury report in the week leading up to the game but practiced in full all week.
"I was cool with it," Watson said of taking the bus instead of flying with the team. "Whatever it takes to get me down here to be able to be with my teammates and be able to play and do what I do and help this team win, I'm up for it."
Watson was 12-for-24 for 139 yards and had a touchdown pass in the Texans' 20-7 win over the Jaguars, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins for a 10-yard score. He said afterward the plan was for him to also take the bus back to Houston.
On Wednesday, Watson was asked repeatedly about his injuries, but he said he is "cleared to practice, cleared to do everything. I'm good." The young quarterback said he did not play with any extra padding in Week 6 against the Bills. When he was asked whether he expected to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Watson said, "I'm great."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.