Texans fans won't have to wait much longer for Deshaun Watson's return to the football field.
The Texans starting quarterback could be throwing as early as organized team activities (OTAs) this spring, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. Watson's participation, though limited during the team's nine-week offseason workout program, will give him a chance to work with the offense and develop chemistry with receive
"The first two weeks, you're not really doing anything on the field," O'Brien said Tuesday at the Annual League Meeting in Orlando. "The next three weeks, you can do a little bit on the field and then the last four weeks is where you've really got to see because that's when you're practicing, which is OTAs with no pads on. Maybe he would be able to do some things there. But we're not in a rush on that, but I do think there's going to be some things he can do throwing-wise, probably not in team drills, but maybe he can do some seven-on-seven, some of our passing drills to continue to work on the timing with the receivers, especially."
O'Brien did not comment on the exact timetable, but did confirm Watson was "ahead of schedule" in his recovery. Both Watson and J.J. Watt have been working out together after their season-ending surgeries. Watson has been rehabbing a torn ACL while Watt is working his way back from a tibial plateau fracture in his leg. Earlier this month, Watt shared a video of the two jogging during a rehab session at the Houston Methodist Training Center practice field.
"I would tell you that we're not going to rush him into anything but I do see him being able to do some things on the field in spring," O'Brien said. "I know he's champing at the bit to do it. I mean, he wants to be out there. He's out there doing things with our trainers right now on the field, obviously with no pass rush or anything. So, I feel good about where he's at and I do see him being able to – it's a nine-week program, so toward the end of the program I think he'd be able to do some things on the field."
The Texans will begin Phase 1 of the offseason workout program on April 16.
Check out some of the best photos of QB Deshaun Watson during his rookie season.
