2 min read • January 08, 2022
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The Cardinals designated HOFer J.J. Watt to return from IR, opening his 3-week practice window and setting the stage for a heroic playoff return.
But will it make a difference for slumping Arizona, who has gone 3-6 since Watt tore his labrum, rotator cuff, and bicep in his left shoulder in Week 7?
While the idea of his return is an exciting proposition for the Cardinals, ProFootballDoc suggests taming your expectations for the 32-year-old.
Watt has done this before: In 2019, he tore his pectoral muscle in Week 8, underwent surgery, and made it back to the Texans by Wild Card weekend. Those 2 playoff games, however, did not amount to much for Watt, who came off the bench in both contests and posted 2 tackles, 2 QB hits, and 1 sack.
He has put up similarly slim stats this season, notching 16 total tackles, 5 for a loss, and 1 sack in 6.5 games.
There is no guarantee that the opening of his practice window even means he will be ready to play. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury admitted as much saying it needed to be done, otherwise he would have to be ruled out for the season.
All parties involved need to see Watt in action to ensure he is healthy enough to return and capable of producing for the Cardinals.
Is his return possible? Absolutely. He's done it before, and his work ethic and competitive stubbornness are world-renowned.
But he won't make his comeback this weekend, and even if he is available for the playoffs, chances are he won't make a big difference.
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