2 min read • January 12, 2022
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Cardinals head coach Kling Kingsbury told reporters Wednesday that star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will not be to return from knee surgery for the Wildcard matchup against the Rams.
Kingsbury also said the team hopes to get defensive end J.J. Watt back at practice this week to see if he can play Monday.
The ProFootballDocs team does not expect either player to return and play effectively at any point in the playoffs.
Watt's three-week practice window was opened last week, but he has yet to return to the practice field since tearing the labrum, rotator cuff and bicep in his left shoulder in Week 7.
The 32-year-old former Texan has already had one incredible comeback in his career, when he returned from a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in Week 8 of 2019.
While, it was incredible for him to return in the playoffs, he came off the bench in both contests and posted 2 tackles, 2 QB hits and 1 sack in the two games.
If he is able to return this postseason, it will be in a backup role and we don't expect him play like his usual self until next season.
Hopkins is facing a similar uphill battle. He reportedly had isolated MCL surgery in his right knee a month ago, but the recovery for MCL injuries in wide receivers is closer to three months.
If he does play in the playoffs, expect it to be in a decoy role because he will not have anywhere near his usual cutting or route running ability.
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