Report: Cardinals hopeful J.J. Watt returns to practice Thursday

It's looking more and more like the Cardinals will get one of their top defensive playmakers back in time for next week's playoff battle.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday that Arizona hopes to get J.J. Watt back practicing Thursday, lining him up to play in the wild-card round game against the Rams on Monday night.

Watt, who was designated to return from IR last week, has been sidelined since Week 7 after he sustained a shoulder injury. It was widely believed at the time the injury was season-ending, but it seems he'll be available in at least some capacity Monday.

The Cardinals went 7-0 to begin the season with Watt healthy but went 4-6 after his injury. They're set to host division-rival Los Angeles. Arizona beat the Rams 37-20 back in Week 4 but lost to them 30-23 in Week 14.

Watt signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the Texans. He logged 101 sacks and 172 tackles for loss with the Texans, racking up five All-Pro selections along with three AP Defensive Player of the Year Awards.

With Arizona, Watt has accumulated one sack, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The Cardinals finished the season 11th in yards allowed.