The Arizona Cardinals got off to a 7-0 start and seemed like the top team in the NFL.
But then J.J. Watt went down with an injury and the team started to look more average than elite.
Watt’s shoulder injury required surgery and was said to have ended his season.
The Cardinals revealed that was not the case Friday with an update that should have fans excited.
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
Watt is set to return and is expected to play in the postseason.
That has the entire NFL world reacting to the shocking news on Twitter.
NFL World Reacts To The Watt Update
A good segment of the general reaction is surprise and excitement over the news.
JJ Watt designated to return from IR for the Cardinals. Could be a big boost to Arizona's Playoff D!
— The Real Razor Sharp Sports (@TheRealRazorSh1) January 7, 2022
So Cam Akers is coming back from a Torn Achilles in 5 months and JJ Watt basically rips his whole arm apart and is coming back in less than 3 months. NFL players are aliens.
— Gary Suarez 🧢 (@iSuarez32) January 7, 2022
JJ WATT IS BACK WERE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL BOYS
— Cause of Death: AZ Sports (@connorbturner) January 7, 2022
Watt has only appeared in seven games this season after signing a two-year deal with the Cardinals in the offseason.
For all the talk of him being injury-prone, this latest injury was tough for fans to stomach.
But getting him back for the postseason is all that matters at this point.
Incoming JJ Watt training montage. https://t.co/Nji0hoIsQZ pic.twitter.com/wZvOjq9ZL6
— Cody (@CodyStormPanic) January 7, 2022
JJ WATT IS BACK BABYYY!! 🔥🔥🤩
— e (@lizziela2) January 7, 2022
@JJWatt pic.twitter.com/p111oMNyVs
— Robert Brott (11-5) (@Birdgangfan92) January 7, 2022
Watt and the Cardinals are now waiting to see whether they will open the postseason at home or on the road.
They have clinched a playoff berth, but need a win and a Los Angeles Rams loss Sunday to win the NFC West.
JJ WATT BACK BABY LETS GOOOOO
— rickey (@bigbiNeox) January 7, 2022
I know JJ Watt body made of play-doh at this point. https://t.co/nLnIdl85AS
— D Piddy (@Blackkout__) January 7, 2022
An absolute warrior…. @JJWatt #AZCardinals #JJWatt https://t.co/4XMQJ0H3AT
— Card’s Calls (@KylerMurraywins) January 7, 2022
Watt only had one sack on the year before his injury, but his experience and past resume make him an invaluable addition to the Cardinals for the postseason.
Even just one big play in a game can make the difference between winning and losing.
The Cardinals can use his experience too as they have not been to the postseason since 2015.
The mini collapse after the 7-0 start has raised some red flags and Watt’s return serves as a nice boost.
Will it make the ultimate difference?
That remains to be seen and may revolve more around Kyler Murray and the offense than Watt and the defense.
NEXT: Cardinals Provide An Update On J.J. Watt's Playoff Status
