J.J. Watt hoping for better fortunes after being limited to just eight games

Watt feels like it has been a long time since he played in a game and understands why outsiders have doubts that he can play a full season.

Houston Texans: Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt is hoping for better fortunes after being limited to just eight games over the past two seasons due to back and leg injuries. Watt feels like it has been a long time since he played in a game and understands why outsiders have doubts that he can play a full season. "I'm sure there are a lot of people that are cautiously optimistic," Watt said. "I'm just looking forward to going out there and playing football, letting it loose, having fun and letting the chips fall where they may. It's been a long road. It's been a grind, a lot of ups and downs the last two years. I love this game." Watt's first game in 11 months comes against the New England Patriots.

Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Andrew Luck returns to game action for the first time in 20 months. His passing shoulder is feeling fine but Luck also thinks he will be a better quarterback when he steps on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. "Personally, I feel like I've gotten better," Luck said. "Been on the right arc, the right path. I think this team's been on the right arc." New coach Frank Reich will have a first-hand look at Luck in game action for the first time. "What's exciting for our team and our fans is we get him for 60 minutes," Reich said. "The longer a guy like that is on the field, the better."

Jacksonville Jaguars: Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is in danger of missing Sunday's opener against the New York Giants due to a core muscle injury. "We're just going to be smart about it," Jaguars coach Doug Marrone said. "I feel like he'll play, but you never know. That's me saying it -- not him or the doctors." The Jaguars signed the fifth-year pro as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason and he has been running first string ahead of James O'Shaughnessy and Niles Paul. Asked about signing another tight end, Marrone said: "I don't know if we're at that point yet in our process."

Tennessee Titans: Wide receiver Rishard Matthews is expected to be full-go for the contest against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday after recovering from a knee injury suffered early in training camp. Matthews has been highly productive in two seasons with the Titans by catching 118 passes for 1,740 yards and 13 touchdowns in 30 games. "I'm excited," Matthews said. "And I think I am as good as I am going to be right now. I'm ready to go in there and contribute wherever they need me." Quarterback Marcus Mariota is pleased to see Matthews running well. "I'm happy to have him out there," Mariota said. "He's another weapon for us and somebody that can go out there and make plays."