The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding their collective breath as they await word on the status of superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt for Saturday’s monumental matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Watt, who exited last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a concerning ankle injury, has been pushing to play but remains uncertain for the AFC North clash that will go a long way in determining the Steelers’ postseason fate.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year struck a cautiously optimistic tone about his chances of suiting up at M&T Bank Stadium. “We’ll see Saturday I guess I should say, but I felt pretty good this week,” Watt said. “Obviously it’s a short week but felt pretty good.”
Watt’s importance to the Steelers’ defense cannot be overstated. The generational edge rusher has racked up a league-leading six forced fumbles to go along with 11.5 sacks this season, routinely taking over games with his unparalleled combination of power, speed, and instincts. In the first meeting with the Ravens back in Week 11, Watt wreaked havoc with a sack, two tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits.
The three-time All-Pro did not participate in Tuesday’s walk-through practice before being upgraded to limited on Wednesday. Watt appeared to increase his workload on Thursday, fueling optimism that he may be able to answer the bell for this win-or-go-home type of game.
Watt Open to Snap Count If Necessary
While playing without restrictions would be the ideal scenario, Watt acknowledged that operating on a pitch count is a possibility he would accept if it meant the difference between playing and sitting out. “I’m trying to be out there as much as I possibly can, so obviously I wouldn’t want to do that, but if that’s the only thing that I can do then I’m going to take what I can get,” he said.
Watt One of Several Steelers Stars in Question
Watt isn’t the only big name on the Steelers’ lengthy injury report. Wide receiver George Pickens missed his second straight game with a hamstring issue and has yet to practice this week. The rookie sensation did some running on the side on Thursday, perhaps indicating a chance he plays against Baltimore.
Safety DeShon Elliott, who sat out the Eagles game, and cornerback Donte Jackson, who exited early with a back injury, both missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Quarterback Justin Fields has also been sidelined this week with an abdomen ailment.
Watt Weighing Pain Management vs. Further Injury Risk
For Watt, the decision to play or not will come down to pain tolerance and mitigating the risk of aggravating the ankle injury. “At this point of the year everybody’s dealing with stuff,” Watt said. “So, if I can go, I’ll go, and we’ll go from there.”
The Steelers find themselves in a virtual must-win situation against their hated rivals. A victory would vault Pittsburgh back into playoff position with two games to play. A loss would deal a devastating blow to the Steelers’ postseason aspirations in what looks to be one of the most competitive AFC wild card races in recent memory.
All eyes will be on Watt and his ankle come Saturday night in Baltimore. The Steelers’ season may very well hang in the balance of the medical team’s pregame evaluation of their defensive cornerstone. For a competitor like Watt, you know he’ll do everything in his power to be out there with his brothers in black and gold.
