Watt trying to complete quick return for Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a team in desperate need of a spark, stumbling into the playoffs with a 1-4 mark over the past five games.
J.J. Watt and his bionic left shoulder might be able to provide it.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is trying to complete an unlikely comeback from a serious shoulder injury in an effort to help the Cardinals’ defense when they travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night in the wildcard round.
“The only thing that matters to me is being out there for my teammates, trying to help us win a game and get to the end goal,” Watt said Wednesday. “That’s all this is about. I’m not doing all this work and not trying to come back in half the time for no reason.”
The idea Watt could return seemed absurd in late October. The injury was reportedly serious and the 11year veteran confirmed most of the details, including a dislocated shoulder, torn rotator cuff, torn labrum and capsule. He also dislocated his biceps tendon and had surgery on Nov. 3.
Doctors told Watt, who left the Houston Texans after 10 seasons as a free agent last March, a normal expectation for a return was four to six months. A little more than two months later, he could be back.
There are no guarantees he’ll actually be on the field against the Rams. He has tested the shoulder against offensive linemen in simulated situations, but a real practice Thursday is the next step.
Panthers speak to OC candidates
The Carolina Panthers have interviewed Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Indianapolis Colts wide receivers coach Mike Groh for their vacant offensive coordinator position, according to an Associated Press source.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady midseason with the offense struggling. The Panthers finished 5-12 and ranked 30th on offense in yards and 29th in points.
Kubiak, a native of Houston, has spent five seasons coaching at the NFL level, including the last three with the Vikings. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in February of 2021, replacing his father Gary Kubiak, a former head coach for the Texans and Denver Broncos, after he retired.
Groh has 21 years of coaching experience, including nine seasons in the NFL. He previously served three years as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator, helping them win a Super Bowl in 2017.
Odds and ends
Safety Eric Weddle is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams for the playoffs. Weddle turned 37 last week and he hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2019 season, but the Rams signed him to their practice squad . ... Green Bay Packers LB Za’darius Smith is practicing again, raising hopes the 2020 Pro Bowl selection could return for the playoffs after missing nearly the entire regular season.