Cardinals Injury Update: Will DeAndre Hopkins, JJ Watt Play In The NFL Wild Game Against The Rams?

After taking a 7-0 lead this season, the Cardinals have stumbled, dropping four of their last five to finish as the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. Arizona could certainly use some help as they head to Los Angeles to face a Rams team with Super Bowl aspirations – and that help could come in the form of two veteran players.

The widely recognized Cardinals DeAndre Hopkins and defensive midfielder JJ Watt have both missed key parts of the 2021 season through injury, but there has been speculation the stars will return to action for the mid-game. Arizona and Los Angeles. Will they be able to match?

Here are the latest updates on Hopkins and Watt ahead of Monday’s game.

THAN: NFL playoff picks, predictions for wild card games

Will DeAndre Hopkins play with the Rams?

Last Wednesday, Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury revealed Hopkins will not be available to return for the wild card game. Hopkins tore the MCL at Week 14 and the injury required surgery.

Kingsbury’s announcement came as no surprise. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in mid-December that Hopkins “could be back” for the NFC or Super Bowl championship game if the Cardinals could get that far, but it was “unrealistic” to expect a return earlier than those rounds. .

In 10 regular-season games, Hopkins had 42 touchdowns for 572 yards and eight touchdowns.

Will JJ Watt fight the Rams?

Watt, who appears to have suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 7, is expected to play in the wild card game, according to Fox Sports ‘Jay Glazer.

The Cardinals assigned Watt to return from reserve injured on January 7, the beginning of an incredible comeback. While he is not officially allowed to play, Kingsbury told reporters on Saturday that Watt “did all he could to put himself in this position.”

“I know, if he got his way, he’d be out there,” Kingsbury said. “But we have to be smart, do the right thing and make sure it’s right for all parties involved.”

The former Defensive Player of the Year made just 16 tackles and one tackle in total in seven games this season before undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder, but he is still capable of creating problems. for enemy attack lines while still healthy.

Cardinals vs. Injury Report. Rams

(Currently 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday)