Expect relentless Watt to be a handful for Bears to contain

Off-season surgeries for a herniated disk in his back and multiple torn muscles in his abdomen and groin aren't expected to limit Texans defensive end J.J. Watt in Sunday's season opener against the Bears in Houston.

The three-time defensive player of the year was only recently cleared for action.

But no one is expecting anything less than the best from the 6-foot-5, 289-pound mountain of mayhem, who's never missed a start in five years and has 69 sacks in the past four years despite constant double-teams.

"The thing that frustrates a lot of people about J.J. is he just doesn't quit," said Bears right guard Kyle Long. "From a physical standpoint, there's not many guys who can do what he can do, if any. The thing that separates him is his will.

"He's a gritty guy, he's determined, and he's going to terrorize you."

Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel moves Watt around to seek out advantageous matchups, but he's a mismatch against almost anyone.

"He's very, very skilled and athletic," Bears coach John Fox said. "(But) probably bigger than anything is his mindset and temperament. He is relentless."

Although Long is expected to play Sunday, he's been limited in practice this week, and he missed the previous two weeks with a left shoulder injury that will not be 100 percent any time soon.

He said he's still looking forward to testing himself against Watt.

"It'll be fun," Long said, a sentiment most offensive linemen don't share. "It's always fun to play against the best, and we're looking forward to it. I know he's going through some stuff as well, to try to get back.

"But it's the league we play in - there's no excuses, there's no crutches. You have to be there for the guy to the right and the left of you."

Injury report:

Wide receiver Kevin White (hamstring) was added to the list of injured players who were limited on Thursday.

If White doesn't play, it would mean more snaps for Josh Bellamy and Cam Meredith, the team's two leading receivers in the preseason.

Both backups caught 10 preseason passes. Meredith totaled 110 yards and 1 TD, while Bellamy had 94 yards.

Fullback Paul Lasike (wrist), wide receiver Deonte Thompson (knee, ankle), guard Kyle Long (shoulder), defensive end Cornelius Washington (ankle, knee), safety Deon Bush (hamstring) and cornerbacks Bryce Callahan (groin) and Kyle Fuller (knee) were all limited for a second straight day.

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