The Arizona Cardinals could have one of the biggest comeback stories of the playoffs when they take on the Los Angeles Rams Monday night. Defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who appeared to have suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, is close to being back on the field less than three months after surgery that was supposed to have a recovery time of four to six months.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Watt practiced all week and had no setbacks. He traveled with the team to Los Angeles. “I am told if nothing else occurs between now and then, he is expected to be activated, is expected to play,” he said.
The Cardinals are taking a more cautious public approach.
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said the team would take the decision “down to the wire” whether to activate him or not.
With their game on Monday night, they have until the afternoon to make roster moves to elevate players from the practice squad and activate them from injured reserve.
Kingsbury said they want to be careful.
“He’s done everything humanly possible to put himself in this position and I know if he has it his way, he’ll be out there, but we’ve got to be smart do the right thing and make sure it’s right for all parties involved,” he told reporters Saturday.
He said they will see where Watt is at with his shoulder and comfort level on Monday.
Kingsbury did not that having him on the field in practice has been a big boost.
“It’s been great having him out there. It’s another thing,” he said.
Watt adds a level of juice when he is with the guys and, assuming he plays, he adds a level of intensity on the field.
In the first matchup with the Rams this season, Watt had two hits on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
If he plays, he will likely have a moderately limited role, but the addition of him and Jordan Phillips to the defensive line, combined with the good play of Zach Allen over the last month and a half, and the Cardinals will be in good shape at the point of attack.
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