The Arizona Cardinals were dealt a tough blow midway through the season when J.J. Watt suffered a shoulder injury.
It turned out to be so bad he needed surgery and was ruled out for the season.
That was not the way the Cardinals wanted to start his two-year deal.
But good news is coming from the desert Friday afternoon.
Watt is on his way back for the postseason.
While it seemed impossible at the time of his surgeries, JJ Watt is actually planning to return to the field during the first week of the playoffs. It’s not for sure yet, but it is possible. Would be an incredible recovery for the star. https://t.co/P9xGMOCqJS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2022
Watt was supposed to have had season-ending surgery.
But either by luck, determination, or will power, he has been designated to return and is on pace to play when the postseason gets underway next week.
Cardinals Getting A Massive Upgrade
Watt is not the player he once was when he was with the Houston Texans.
But he is still a veteran presence capable of making a difference on defense.
We have designated DL J.J. Watt to return from the injured reserve list.
Watt can begin practicing and can be activated to the 53-man roster at any time during the next 21 days or at the conclusion of the three-week period. pic.twitter.com/OAr983Wo3P— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 7, 2022
Markus Golden and Chandler Jones have been the stars of the Arizona defense this year, combining for 20.5 sacks.
Throw Watt into the mix on the defensive line and opposing offensive lines have a former All-Pro to worry about.
Arizona is already fifth in the NFL with 20.5 points allowed per game.
The only question now is if Kliff Kingsbury‘s team can hold up in the postseason after falling to 11-5 after a 7-0 start.
The challenge may be harder in the Wild Card round as the Cardinals have fallen out of the top spot in the NFC West and are thus set to head out on the road.
That only changes if they win Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams fall to the San Francisco 49ers.
Regardless, the Cardinals have to be excited about getting Watt back.
He is a leader on the team and brings invaluable experience to a team that has not been to the postseason since 2015.
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