J.J. Watt left the door open for a potential return to Houston if Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans "absolutely need(s) it."

The coach won't lose Watt's phone number anytime soon, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports..

"I love to hear J.J. saying he's ready," Ryans said on Monday, via Sean Pendergast of SportsRadio 610. "I've got his number ready to go just in case we need him. ... I may need to make that call, so I'm happy that it's open from him."

Watt spent a decade with the Texans before finishing his final two pro years with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired at the close of the 2022 campaign. Houston already inducted the legendary pass rusher into its Ring of Honor last season.

Ryans was asked what circumstance he could envision where he might call Watt. The coach deftly avoided answering the specific question.

"I need him now!" Ryans said, chuckling. "I need to make that call right now. Anytime J.J. Watt's ready to go, I'm ready to go."

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