Reports: Cardinals DE J.J. Watt likely done for the year with shoulder injury

Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt will likely miss the remainder of the 2021 season with a shoulder injury, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday.

The injury reportedly occurred during the second quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans and will require surgery.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added Thursday morning that the specific injury was a dislocated shoulder and “other associated damage” that includes a torn labrum, biceps and rotator cuff. He said that recovery time for such an injury is typically three months.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro additionally reports that Watt will seek a second opinion that could dictate how long he is out.

Rapoport posted a video of the play in which Watt hits the ground after a tackle attempt of Texans quarterback Davis Mills.

#AZCardinals DE JJ Watt suffered a dislocated shoulder and other associated damage from Sunday, sources say, and he’ll have surgery mid-next week to repair it. Watt did the damage attempting to tackle #Texans QB Davis Mills along the sideline, but played several more plays. pic.twitter.com/iKmfrA8eeV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2021

Watt signed a two-year contract in March, a major acquisition for Arizona both on the field and in the locker room.

Watt has 10 tackles and a sack this season. He is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (five) and is second in quarterback hits (10). According to Pro Football Focus, Watt leads the team through a 7-0 start with 28 quarterback pressures.

He has garnered rave reviews from teammates regarding his leadership.

The loss will put more pressure on Arizona’s young defensive linemen like Zach Allen, Leki Fotu and Michael Dogbe unless the Cardinals make another move.

The injury comes before the Cardinals are set to face the 6-1 Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.

The game starts at 5:20 p.m. and you can listen live on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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