Final Cardinals vs Rams Injury Report and Game Statuses for Wildcard Matchup – Edmonds, Conner, and Watt

• The Los Angeles Rams are 3.5-point home favorites in their NFC Wild Card game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, January 17
• There are reports that Arizona DE and two-time NFL DPOY JJ Watt (shoulder) will be activated from IR for the game
• See the latest Cardinals vs Rams injury report including who’s playing and who isn’t is updated in the story below

There’s good news for the Arizona Cardinals as they prep to play the Los Angeles Rams in Monday’s NFC Wild Card game. Running back Chase Edmonds, out since Week 17 due to ribs and toe injuries, has been cleared to play. He was the team’s second-leading rusher this season with 592 yards.

The bad news is that leading rusher James Conner, who came back last week following a three-game absence, is being listed as questionable for Monday due to a problem with his ribs. Conner gained 752 yards during the regular season. He also scored an NFC-leading 18 touchdowns.

The Cardinals will play in the NFL’s first-ever game on MLK Day when they face the Rams in Monday night’s Wild Card game

Player helmets will feature MLK decals as well as one of 2 phrases to honor Dr. King: “BE LOVE” & “END HATE”

Here they are on the helmet of Kyler Murray pic.twitter.com/Lxu9R1Xyxr

— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 14, 2022

The Cardinals are already missing All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee). However, reports continue to circulate that defensive end JJ Watt, the two-time NFL DPOY, will be activated from IR. He underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year which was expected to end his season.

As far as the host Rams are concerned, starting free safety Taylor Rapp (concussion) is out. Starting wide receiver Van Jefferson (shoulder) is questionable, but is expected to play. He also takes a starring role in our Cardinals vs Rams props.

Let’s take a look at the injury report for both of these NFC West rivals ahead of Monday’s 8:15pm ET kickoff at SoFi Stadium. LA is a 3.5-point home favorite in the Cardinals vs Rams odds.

Cardinals Injury Report | Rams Injury Report

Arizona Cardinals Injury Report

Watt’s status is certainly the most intriguing story around this game. Officially, he’s still on IR. However, Watt made the trip with the team to LA and published reports are that he’ll be activated in time for Monday’s game.

From @NFLGameDay: #AZCardinals star JJ Watt is making the trip, paving the way for him to be activated on Monday and complete a dramatic recovery. pic.twitter.com/0P3kPtBoMO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2022

Though both are listed as questionable, two other Cardinals defensive starters – right cornerback Marco Wilson (shoulder) and left defensive end Jordan Phillips (knee) – are expected to play. Both were full participants.

Cardinals Running Back Situation Fluid

While Edmonds is a solid runner, he certainly isn’t enjoying the productively explosive campaign that Conner is delivering. Conner was limited in practice this week and will be a game-time decision.

During open part of #AZCardinals practice, RB James Conner was back working. J.J. Watt continued to look good.

Didn’t see WR Rondale Moore. And G Justin Pugh was watching with a sleeve on his calf. LB Isaiah Simmons was back. pic.twitter.com/AsPFBSxViO

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) January 15, 2022

Moore is also being listed as a game-time decision. The ramifications of his potential absence would be significant. Already without Hopkins, the Cards would be down another wideout. Moore is also Arizona’s main kick and punt return man.

Starting left guard Justin Pugh (calf) did not practice on Saturday. If he can’t go, Sean Harlow would be making his sixth start of the season. He’d also be part of the blocking scheme dealing with Rams defensive end Aaron Donald, the reigning NFL DPOY.

LA Rams Injury Report

Jefferson entered the starting lineup two months ago when veteran WR Robert Woods (knee) was placed on IR.

Looks Van Jefferson has the green light to play, but not having starting safeties Jordan Fuller and Taylor Rapp hurts. #InWeddleWeTrust https://t.co/c00j44XSO6

— The SoCal Supreme Sports Show (@SoCalShowIESR) January 15, 2022

Struggling over the past month, Jefferson has nine catches for 123 yards in LA’s past four games. He’ll be a game-time decision but is expected to play.

Rams Relatively Healthy

The loss of Rapp to a concussion means the Rams will be facing the Cardinals minus both of their starting safeties. Strong safety Jordan Fuller went on IR last week with an ankle injury. Rapp picked off Arizona QB Kyler Murray in both regular-season games.

After essentially two seasons off and at the age of 37, Eric Weddle returns for a playoff run. This should get interesting https://t.co/Q8yhlk32BT

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) January 12, 2022

Ending a two-year retirement, Eric Weddle signed with the Rams and will play safety on Monday. His last game action was December 29, 2019 for the Rams in a 31-24 win over the Cardinals.

Starting left inside linebacker Ernest Jones also went on IR with a high ankle sprain since the last Cardinals-Rams game.