Arizona Cardinals All-Pro pass-rusher J.J. Watt is back and just in time for the “Monday Night Football” playoff game at the Los Angeles Rams.
As Kevin Patra noted for the NFL’s website, the Cardinals officially activated Watt off injured reserve in time for Monday’s contest. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year had been out of the lineup since he suffered a torn labrum, bicep, rotator cuff and separated shoulder on Oct. 24, and he ultimately underwent surgery that kept him out through the end of the regular season and threatened his availability for the postseason tournament.
Watt was back on the practice field last week in a limited capacity, and head coach Kliff Kingsbury indicated the 32-year-old would play at the Rams only if he encountered no physical setback during his preparations.
“I’m not doing all this work, and I’m not trying to come back in half the time for no reason,” Watt commented last week. “I’m here to try and do one thing, that is accomplish the ultimate goal (of a Super Bowl).”
It’s believed Watt will be a rotational asset Monday evening.
Across the first seven games of his Arizona career, Watt tallied 16 total tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, five tackles for loss, two pass breakups, and 25 quarterback pressures. The Cardinals began the season with seven straight victories but fell to 11-6 overall without having Watt for the campaign’s second half.
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