There's no doubt that the Cardinals -- 7-0 with J.J. Watt in the lineup and 4-6 without him -- are a better team with the future Hall of Famer playing opposite of Chandler Jones. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cardinals open roster spot for J.J. Watt

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors
By Zachary Links | Last updated 1/16/22

The Cardinals have released cornerback Breon Borders, per a club announcement. This will enable the Cardinals to activate star defensive lineman J.J. Watt in time for Monday night’s game against the Rams.

Once again, Watt has beaten his recovery timetable to return for the playoffs. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was once thought to be done for the year, thanks to labrum, bicep, and rotator-cuff tears. But, somehow, he’s good to go for Monday night as the Cardinals look to improve from 38 points allowed against the Seahawks in Week 18.

There’s no doubt that the Cardinals — 7-0 with Watt in the lineup and 4-6 without him — are a better team with the future Hall of Famer playing opposite of Chandler Jones. And, in Watt's limited sample, Pro Football Focus had him rated as a top-10 interior defensive lineman this season.

Watt, 32, registered five tackles for loss and 10 QB hits in his seven regular-season games this season. More of the same will go a long way toward breaking the Cardinals’ playoff win drought. However, on the other side of the ball, they’ll be without star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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