GLENDALE, Ariz. — Editor's note: The above video aired during a previous broadcast.
Arizona Cardinals star defensive lineman J.J. Watt will reportedly undergo surgery for his injured shoulder that will likely put an end to his season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the announcement Tuesday night but noted that the procedure hasn’t been scheduled yet.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport added that Watt would need at least three months to return to the field after surgery, barring a miraculous recovery.
That timetable puts a potential return near the Super Bowl.
The 32-year-old was injured in the second quarter of the Cardinals' 31-5 victory Sunday over the Houston Texans, his former team.
Watt continued to play for the remainder of the game, but he’s been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The news delivers a major blow to Arizona’s defense as the undefeated club hopes to snap a playoff drought lasting since 2015.
During last Sunday's 37-14 win over the Cleveland Browns, the defensive end was seen on camera defending the Cardinals' status as the only undefeated team in the NFL.
"How about instead of making excuses for why we win, maybe we're just (expletive) better," Watt said in the video. "... They win because of this, they win because of that... maybe we're just a little bit (expletive) better."
In the video, Watt indicates that despite having injuries, personnel and players contracting covid and not having a head coach during the game, the Cardinals still delivered and did what needed to be done to win.
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