How much will J.J. Watt play against Chicago?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Bill O'Brien told reporters he expects Watt to play against the Bears on Sunday, but he offered no specifics as to how much.

"I would say that he'll play and beyond that I'm not gonna say much more," O'Brien said.

The Texans will keep a close eye on the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Even as Watt returned to practice Monday, I thought back to what he told us just after he had back surgery this summer.

Watt knows the long term matters, both for this season and for his career.

"It's a tough sport and it takes a lot out of you," Brian Cushing told abc13. He added this about Watt, "He's got a ton of will and a ton of heart. I know he'll be back."

Watt's presence on the practice field gave the Texans a huge boost. Everyone knows how hard you have to work to come back from injuries and surgeries. Younger players talked in awe of just seeing No. 99 out on the field for the first time.

Only a few players bring that kind of vibe and Watt does it like few others.

"He's one of the best players in the NFL, if not THE best. Just seeing him out there is exciting," Kevin Johnson said.

Expect Watt to play Sunday and the Texans will watch him closely as he builds back up to full time duty.