JJ Watt has revealed that he is keen to play in the Houston Texans' pre-season game against the Miami Dolphins this week.

The 2012 defensive player of the year, who has been battling with an elbow injury since last year, did not feature against the Minnesota Vikings.

The defensive end told the team's website: "Yeah I think I'm playing Saturday. I feel great and I think it was more just about a little bit of rest in the last game. I feel great. I want to get out there. I want to play and I believe I'm going to play.

"I approach it pretty much the same. A game is a game to me doesn't matter if it's pre-season, post-season, or regular season. There's no way, I don't even think it's possible, to dial down or do something different. There's only one way I know and that's game mode and that's beast mode, so you got to go out there and play your best.

"It doesn't take very long, I mean, especially for me. You've been tackling your whole life and you get out there and once you get in live action, obviously there's a little bit of rust to knock off, but as soon as you get that first tackle, you get that taste back in your mouth. It comes back pretty quick."

Watt made 20.5 sacks for the Texans last season, the most of any player in the NFL.