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The Arizona Cardinals are reeling a bit heading into the playoffs, having lost four of their last five games. In particular, the once-dominant defense has sputtered. Reports of the potential return of former All-Pro J.J. Watt had excited Cardinals fans. On Tuesday, the team acknowledged the hope that he can return for practice this week, ahead of their upcoming playoff game.
ESPN Senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler tweeted out the announcement from the team.
The Arizona Cardinals are hopeful that J.J. Watt (shoulder) will begin practicing Thursday, per source. Eventual ramp-up before Monday night wild-card game.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 11, 2022
Watt will hopefully return to practice Thursday. The Cardinals have an extra day of practice this week as their playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams is Monday night.
Watt last played in Week 7 for Arizona. He sustained a torn labrum, bicep and rotator cuff, along with dislocating his shoulder against his former team, the Houston Texans. To that point in the season, the Cardinals had one of the best defenses in the NFL.
That is not solely due to Watt's presence, as is no longer an every-down player with his age and injury concerns. But he still made a strong impact each week.
The Cardinals are 7-0 in games Watt has played in. They are 4-6 in games without Watt on the field. That is not a coincidence. Over the last month, the Cardinals defense has been shredded by some questionable offenses. The Detroit Lions and Jared Goff had his best game of the season vs. Arizona. Last week, with a division title on the line, the Seattle Seahawks scored 38 points and allowed 431 yards. Cardinals fans hope not to see a repeat performance Monday night in Los Angeles.
