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Cardinals' J.J. Watt addresses potential of facing Rams
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals' J.J. Watt on facing Rams: 'We'll make that decision as Monday comes closer'

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said earlier on Wednesday that star pass-rusher J.J. Watt has "basically done everything humanly possible" to play in Monday's prime-time wild-card game at the Los Angeles Rams coming off the serious shoulder injury that's kept the three-time Defensive Player of the Year out of action for over two months. 

Watt spoke with reporters later in the day but was unable to offer any guarantees about his status past the weekend.

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Watt added he's worked with offensive linemen to simulate in-game contact ahead of Thursday's practice session, and the 32-year-old likely won't have any real knowledge about his potential availability for Monday's game until he works out in a team setting. 

One thing missing on Watt's Hall of Fame résumé is a Super Bowl appearance, let alone a championship ring, so it's a safe bet the five-time All-Pro would be willing to face the Rams at less than 100% if Kingsbury ultimately allows it. 

However, Kingsbury and company may elect to protect the veteran from himself, especially if it's thought Watt could worsen the surgically repaired shoulder with the Cardinals still multiple wins away from a potential Super Bowl berth. 

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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