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J.J. Watt Makes His Remarkable Return Against Rams

Defensive end has three tackles in Cardinals' playoff loss

Defensive lineman J.J. Watt appeared in his first game since Oct. 24 on Monday after a serious shoulder injury had threatened to end his season.
Defensive lineman J.J. Watt appeared in his first game since Oct. 24 on Monday after a serious shoulder injury had threatened to end his season.

J.J. Watt showed the world that once again, he's not human.

By returning for the Cardinals' 34-11 loss to the Rams in the NFC Wild Card showdown on Monday Night Football, after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 7 against the Texans.

The fact Watt ripped up his rotator cuff, labrum, shoulder joint capsule infraspinatus muscle and dislocated his bicep tendon – on his left side – makes his comeback even more impressive.

The injury required a four-to-six-month recovery process, which would have ended his first season in Arizona early.

Watt had three tackles on Monday, including one for loss, while playing 23 snaps.

"The shoulder held up fine," the defensive end said. "No problems."

Asked what his emotions were going out on the field, Watt said "Just do my job. Trying to help the team win."

Watt wasn't in the mood to talk about his personal situation, not after a disappointing loss. But it didn't make his return any less remarkable.

"It was an embarrassing performance," Watt said of the Cardinals.

This is the second time Watt has returned from a major injury before schedule. As a member of the Texans in 2019, Watt suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 8 and underwent surgery. He was not expected to return until the start of the 2020 season. But three months later, Watt beat the odds and returned for Houston's AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Bills.

Linebacker Markus Golden said he has a lot of respect for Watt for his ability to return early from a gruesome injury in time for the Cardinals' most important game this season.

"He's one of the leaders on the team," Golden said. "He's been leading whether things are going good or bad for him personally. He's a legend. Everyone knows who J.J. Watt what is and what he's done in this league.

"He comes and works every day like he has zero sacks; you wouldn't even think he's a Hall of Fame player like he is. I'm glad I got to ball with him this year; I learned a lot from him."

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