CARDINALS CORNER

Arizona Cardinals’ J.J. Watt hopeful he can play vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Sep 15, 2022, 12:13 PM | Updated: 12:18 pm

Arizona Cardinals DL J.J. Watt (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)...

Arizona Cardinals DL J.J. Watt (Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

(Tyler Drake/Arizona Sports)

TEMPE — A big piece of the Arizona Cardinals defense in J.J. Watt was absent in the team’s dismal showing against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

Dealing with a calf issue leading up to the matchup — in addition to a COVID-19 stint before the injury — Watt was relegated to the sideline as he continued to heal.

After returning to the practice field on Thursday, the defensive end “would imagine” that he’ll be suiting up for the team’s Week 2 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“It was a good day of work, a good first day back out there,” Watt said. “We’ll get some more tomorrow and go from there.

“I was sick for a little bit there and then just had a little tweak of the calf, so worked through it and good to go.”

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also remains optimistic about Watt’s chances to play in Las Vegas.

There is, however, a fine line of utilizing Watt properly and not overdoing it in his first game back from injury and illness.

“He’s close, he’s practicing,” Joseph said. “Obviously, J.J. wants to play every game and play every snap. We got to be careful with him to make sure he’s right to play.”

But while the signs continue to point to Watt’s return this Sunday, another important player’s status isn’t as clear.

Safety Jalen Thompson was a surprise addition to the injury report on Wednesday with a toe injury. He was once again not out with the team for Thursday’s practice.

Friday will be a big indicator as to where exactly Thompson is health-wise.

Regardless of who lines up in Sin City, it’s on the unit as a whole to rise to the occasion.

“I’ll say this about our defense, we have no excuses,” Joseph said. “We have guys who can do their jobs and on Sunday we didn’t do it.

“That’s my fault, absolutely my fault as a coach, but we have guys who are capable. Whoever plays on Sunday, I expect us to play good.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Cardinals Corner

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

22 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Tyler Drake

What trade packages could the Cardinals potentially get for the No. 4 NFL Draft pick?

What could the Cardinals get in a trade for the No. 4 overall pick? A look at the teams that might be interested and what it would cost.

3 days ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Tyler Drake

NFL offseason dates to remember and how they relate to the Arizona Cardinals

It's onto the offseason for the Arizona Cardinals and the rest of the NFL following Super Bowl LVIII. Here are some dates to keep tabs on.

3 days ago

Qwauntrezz Knight gets tackled...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals release S Qwuantrezz Knight

The Arizona Cardinals released safety Qwuantrezz Knight on Thursday, the team announced. He appeared in six games in 2023.

7 days ago

Arizona Cardinals’ J.J. Watt hopeful he can play vs. Las Vegas Raiders