He didn't get to suit up Thursday night, but J.J. Watt was able to play catch on Lambeau Field. With his father.

During pregame warmups, Watt threw a few passes to his dad John, as well as his mother Connie. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year grew up a couple hours south of Green Bay in Pewaukee, and he relished the time back in Wisconsin.

"It was cool," Watt said. "We played in the backyard. We played football in the backyard, pretending I was Brett Favre. So to be here, to play catch with my dad, you can't describe it."

Watt also enjoyed the reception from Packers fans and Wisconsinites in general, as he starred for the Badgers in college.

"Having grown up here, it's been a very special week, and the fans have been unbelievable in the way that they've given me such a warm welcome," Watt said. "It's been awesome."

Watt and several other Texans starters didn't play in Thursday night's preseason opener, but the veteran defensive lineman is optimistic about the season ahead for the Texans.

"We won't know what we have until September 9th when we step on the field, but I know that we're building something great and we love going to work every day," Watt said. "This group of guys is a group of guys that loves to work together towards one common goal."

The Texans return home to Houston and will practice at the Houston Methodist Training Center on Saturday morning.

They'll work against Detroit next week for a pair of practices, and then host the Lions at NRG Stadium a week from Saturday night.