J.J. Watt Reportedly to Undergo Surgery on Shoulder Injury; Likely Out for Season

Arizona Cardinals star defensive lineman J.J. Watt will require shoulder surgery and potentially miss the remainder of the 2021 season, per multiple reports. 

It's a major blow for the 7-0 Cardinals, who have looked like serious title contenders. 

Watt, 32, had posted 16 tackles (five for loss), one sack, 10 quarterback hits and a forced fumble in seven games this year. 

When healthy, Watt has been one of the most dominant forces in the NFL and will one day have a plaque in Canton. He's a five-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-NFL selection and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner.

He has an impressive resume, recording two seasons with 20 or more sacks and five seasons with 10 or more sacks. His 102 sacks rank tied for third among active players and tied  31st in NFL history.

However, injuries have cut short four of his past six seasons. A herniated disc in 2016 ended his season after just three games. In 2017, a tibial plateau fracture ended his campaign after five contests. And in 2019, a torn left pectoral cut his season in half. He did return for the playoffs that year. 

The hope will be in Arizona that he can follow a similar script this year. And for Watt, still chasing his first Super Bowl title, getting back on the field will obviously be the top priority, even if only for the postseason. 

In his absence, the Cardinals will rely even more heavily on players like Markus Golden (six sacks) and Chandler Jones (five sacks) to generate pressure, while Michael Dogbe will likely step into the starting lineup at Watt's position on the defensive line.