J.J. Watt Fantasy

Arizona Cardinals five-time Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt (shoulder), who tore his labrum and had surgery earlier this season, was officially activated from Injured Reserve and will play in Monday night's wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams. All signs had been pointing to Watt playing to close out wild-card weekend after he returned to practice last week, but it doesn't make his return any less impressive. The physical freak of nature had surgery on Nov. 3 and practiced for the first time last Thursday, so it's still a stretch to think that the 32-year-old will be on the field for every defensive snap on Monday night. However, Watt could still be effective on limited snaps, and quarterback Matthew Stafford will need to keep an eye out for him when he's in the game.

Jan. 17th • 6:37 PM

Arizona Cardinals star pass-rusher J.J. Watt (shoulder) is making the trip to Los Angeles for Monday's wild-card game against the division-rival Rams, paving the way for him to be activated from Injured Reserve and play. It would complete a dramatic recovery for Watt after he suffered a serious shoulder injury earlier in the season. The All-Pro defensive end hasn't played since Week 7, though, so even if he's active on Monday, there's a good chance that he won't be an every-down player for Arizona's defense. Still, Watt could make an impact with his pass-rushing prowess as the Cardinals look to slow down LA's high-powered offense. Before his injury in Week 7, Watt registered 16 tackles (10 solo), five tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, one forced fumble and one sack.

Jan. 15th • 11:23 PM

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (shoulder) had no issues after returning to practice on Thursday and is trending toward playing in Monday night's wild-card game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Watt's practice on Thursday was his first since suffering a shoulder injury that required surgery in late October, so even if he's active to close out super wild-card weekend, there's a good chance that he'll have his snaps limited against the Rams. "From a performance standpoint, I'm not gonna put myself on the field if it's gonna put my team in a worse situation," Watt said of the potential of playing against the Rams. "That's not even a question." He's trying to return from a torn rotator cuff, labrum, capsule and infraspinatus.

Jan. 14th • 5:19 PM