After sustaining a shoulder injury in Week 7, it was feared JJ Watt would miss the remainder of the regular season. However, there seems to be a glimmer of hope the superstar pass rusher finds his way back onto the field for the Arizona Cardinals.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said himself on Thursday that JJ Watt is likely going to have season-ending surgery. Even so, general manager Steve Keim seems to have a different opinion on the matter, per Darren Urban.

According to Urban, “during an appearance on the ‘Burns and Gambo' show Friday on 98.7, Arizona's Sports Station, said that the veteran defensive end was consulting with additional specialists, and at this point, Keim would not rule out a return in 2021.”

This would be an amazing turn of events if true. Considering JJ Watt has torn multiple muscles while also dislocating his shoulder. Steve Keim had this to say on the current situation:

“I know surgery is an option, but at the same time I think there are some things that are possibly put in place where we want to play this thing out with a little bit more time and see how he responds. To me, if there is anybody who can bounce back and can do it, it's J.J. Watt.”

This is a method many teams follow in the NFL. When there is an option to avoid surgery, the franchise will take the necessary steps to figure out if it is the correct route to take. Considering Watt's injury history, avoiding surgery might be the best option if he can manage it.

For now, the Cardinals should take their time and consider their options. Watt is on the back end of his career and further injury could be detrimental. Arizona must be careful with this situation, as the wrong decision could keep JJ Watt out for much longer than just this season.

“I don't want to rule that out yet. I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express.”

Keep an eye on Watt and the Cardinals, as they could opt to let the injury heal without surgery.