Cardinals designate J.J. Watt to return from IR: Playoff return possible

The Arizona Cardinals are hopeful J.J. Watt can return to the lineup in time for Wild Card Weekend.

With a playoff berth clinched and a division title on the line, the Arizona Cardinals believe defensive lineman J.J. Watt will be healthy enough to play during the NFC playoffs.

Watt was designated to return from injured reserve on Friday morning. While he is not expected to play in the Cardinals’ regular-season finale vs. the Seattle Seahawks, all signs point towards him making his triumphant return to the Arizona roster on Wild Card Weekend. Watt has not played for the Cardinals since beating his former team in the Houston Texans way back in October.

Even after tearing his bicep, labrum and rotator cuff, to have Watt in a position to play in the postseason is nothing short of remarkable.

Arizona Cardinals believe J.J. Watt will play for them in the NFC playoffs

At 11-5 heading into Week 18, the Cardinals are a lock to play on Wild Card Weekend. They are not catching the Green Bay Packers for the top seed in the NFC. The best they can do is win the NFC West if the Los Angeles Rams lose to the San Francisco 49ers and they beat the Seahawks soundly to get to 12-5. From there, Arizona will await its battle-tested first-round opponent.

Throughout much of the season, the Cardinals have been one of the best teams in football. While they have faded down the stretch, there was a reason why this was the last undefeated team in the NFL. For that reason, Arizona is one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC, regardless of where they are seeded. They have the talent to get to the NFC Championship Game this season.

By getting Watt back in time for the playoffs, the Cardinals have to like their chances to advance.