Will the Pittsburgh Steelers have edge rusher T.J. Watt for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens? Find out what head coach Mike Tomlin said about his star player’s injury.
T.J. Watt Injury
""I'm optimistic about the availability of T.J. based on what I've seen today." – Steelers HC Mike Tomlin
Tomlin optimistic on availability of Watt vs. Ravens https://t.co/80Vh9TqJ6n
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) December 16, 2024
Watt left Sunday’s loss to the Eagles in the fourth quarter with a low ankle injury. Watt finished the game with seven tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
X-rays on Watt’s ankle came back negative.
On Monday, Tomlin is leaving the door open for Watt to play on Saturday.
“I’m optimistic about the availability of T.J. based on what I’ve seen today,” Tomlin said.
The Steelers are a completely different team without Watt. Pittsburgh is 1-10 in games Watt doesn’t play.
Watt has been a monster this season, with 54 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and six forced fumbles.
Watt is not the only player dealing with an injury. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (groin), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), and wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) could return in Week 16 after missing the Eagles’ game. Also, quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) and cornerback Donte Jackson (back) could play despite suffering injuries on Sunday.
“The doors are ajar for those guys,” Tomlin said. “None of these six guys could be characterized as out as I sit here today. We’ll probably start with partial participation with them (Tuesday) and increase that and make decisions as the week goes on.”
Steelers Playoff Implications
Winning the division could be the difference between the #Steelers just making the playoffs or winning in the playoffs. And they would have to beat the Ravens to do that, no matter what happened in Philadelphia.https://t.co/DQc1JT9MpP
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) December 16, 2024
Even with the loss, the Steelers clinched a playoff berth.
However, Pittsburgh could guarantee a home game in the postseason with a win over Baltimore. If that happens, the Steelers win the AFC North and would finish the regular season no lower than the No. 4 seed.
The Steelers (10-4) hit the road to play the Baltimore Ravens (9-5) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
