There have been conflicting reports as to how long J.J. Watt will be sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back this week.

A 6-8 week timeline was initially pegged, but it is now being suggested that it may take 10 weeks for Watt to recover fully.

A 10-week timetable would have Watt ready to return in the last full week of September, which would mean an Oct. 2 debut for Watt against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.

The Houston Texans play the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots in the first three weeks of the regular season.