Tag: TJ Watt

Nov 28, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts tackle Braden Smith (72) blocks Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ TJ Watt, Diontae Johnson, Malik Reed ready to go

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three Pittsburgh Steelers players listed as questionable on the injury report have been cleared to play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Linebackers T.J. Watt and Malik Reed and wide receiver Diontae Johnson no longer have injury designations and are ready to take the field.

Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, has been dealing with a rib injury that’s limited his playing time and production over the past several weeks. He was limited in practice this past week, including being listed as out on Thursday.

Watt, 28, has also been troubled by a pectoral injury since Week 1.

“It’s tough,” Watt said on Friday. “It’s stuff out of my control. It’s been one thing after another this year, but I don’t want to miss any more games. I’m going to try my best to make it happen each and every week.”

Johnson, 26, has a hip issue that’s bothered him all season but to date has not kept him out of a game. He said he suffered a new hip injury in last Sunday’s 19-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Johnson logged a limited practice session on Wednesday then was also listed as “out” for Thursday’s practice.

Reed, 26, has played in all 12 games this season but had been nursing a back injury.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates a tackle against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Knee surgery to delay T.J. Watt’s return

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt initially was expected to miss six weeks with a pectoral injury suffered in the season opener, but ESPN reported Saturday that recent arthroscopic knee surgery will delay his return.

Watt’s knee surgery was a result of a preseason injury that hadn’t healed by the season opener, per ESPN.

The Steelers will continue to monitor Watt’s recovery from both his knee and pectoral issues but won’t rush him back.

Per the report, Pittsburgh doesn’t expect the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year to return before the team’s Week 9 bye, which means he might not suit up until the Steelers host the Saints on Nov. 13 in Week 10.

Without their cornerstone on defense, the Steelers are 0-3 and have only three sacks over their last three games.

Pittsburgh (1-3) heads to Buffalo on Sunday to play the Bills (3-1).

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) before playing the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ T.J. Watt, Najee Harris injured vs. Bengals

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt and running back Najee Harris departed Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with injuries and were ruled out for the game.

Watt suffered a left pectoral injury late in regulation before the Steelers and Bengals headed to overtime.

The Steelers beat the Bengals on a 53-yard field goal conversion by Chris Boswell as time expired in the extra period.

Reports said Watt, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was seen on the television broadcast mouthing the words, “I tore my pec.”

Harris injured his foot and limped off the field, also occurring late in the fourth quarter.

Harris had 23 rushing yards on 10 carries but also caught two passes, including a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

–Field Level Media

Nov 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Steelers LB T.J. Watt tests negative, could play Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

T.J. Watt might be available to play this weekend after all.

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout linebacker tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday, multiple sources told ProFootballTalk.com.

Watt’s status for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens was cast in doubt when he tested positive Monday. If he produces a second negative test at least 24 hours after Friday’s negative result, he will be eligible to play Sunday.

According to the report, Watt would be the first player to return so soon after a positive test.

The 27-year-old is second in the NFL with 12.5 sacks.

Just before the season, Watt inked a four-year, $112 million contract extension that made him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player. He is a two-time All-Pro and was the runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.

The Steelers fell to 5-5-1 after a blowout 41-10 loss to Cincinnati last Sunday. The Pittsburgh defense has given up 82 points combined over the past two games.

–Field Level Media