Tag: Watt

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball in front of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt (ankle) limited in practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt was a limited practice participant Wednesday, three days after injuring his left ankle during a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Watt’s status for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens has yet to be determined.

He missed practice on Tuesday and then made progress while taking part in individual drills on Wednesday.

Watt injured the ankle with 4:46 left in Pittsburgh’s 27-13 road loss to the Eagles.

The 30-year-old Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

Watt, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

Backup quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal), receiver George Pickens (hamstring), cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice for Pittsburgh.

Pickens has missed the past two games. He leads the Steelers with 55 receptions and 850 yards. He has caught three touchdown passes.

–Field Level Media

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Steelers LB T.J. Watt (ankle) could play vs. Ravens this week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

T.J. Watt is “walking around rather comfortably,” and that assessment gives Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reason to believe his All-Pro pass rusher will be available Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Watt left Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and underwent tests on his left ankle. He did not return to the game, but Tomlin said the tests were promising, showing no long-term injury.

“But again, he’s questionable with his ankle. We’ll see where the roads lead us,” Tomlin said.

Watt, 30, had two sacks in the game to bring his team-leading total this season to 11.5.

Watt had one sack and three total tackles in the Steelers’ 18-16 win over the Ravens on Nov. 17.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) grimaces in pain as during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt (ankle) hurt vs. Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt injured his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t return.

Watt told reporters after the game that he rolled the ankle. Watt said he underwent X-rays and the results were negative.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said that Watt will be evaluated throughout the week. Pittsburgh visits the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North showdown on Saturday.

Watt said he was unsure if he would be able to play against Baltimore.

Watt was injured while rushing around the edge in an effort to reach Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He began to limp during the play and then fell to the ground with 4:46 left in the contest and reached for the ankle.

The 30-year-old Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

Watt, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and running back Najee Harris (22) celebrate after Harris scored a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers stick with QB Mason Rudolph, rule out OLB T.J. Watt

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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph remains the No. 1 quarterback for Pittsburgh as the playoffs begin.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said pass rusher T.J. Watt (knee) is out for the wild-card game with the Buffalo Bills but safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be back on Sunday.

“We’ll stay with Mason Rudolph,” Tomlin said. “We’re just simply staying with the hot hand, not upsetting the apple cart. He’s been in some tough circumstances, and he’s delivered.”

Rudolph has three touchdowns and no interceptions since taking over for backup-turned-starter Mitchell Trubisky, who was starting in place of injured Kenny Pickett.

“He’s making good decisions. There’s a cumulative body of work. Mason’s been here a long time,” Tomlin said of his confidence in Rudolph.

Fitzpatrick missed the past three games with a knee injury.

He began the week as limited in practice, but Tomlin said that’s more of a precaution than commentary on his readiness to play. He’ll be reunited with strong safety Damontae Kazee, who is back with the Steelers from a three-game suspension for a series of borderline illegal hits.

Watt has 19.0 sacks and helped the Steelers surge into the playoffs with a three-game winning streak to end the season. Alex Highsmith is second on the team with 7.0 sacks, but recorded just one in the past four games.

“Playing without T.J. is significant,” Tomlin said. “It’s not going to be a one-man job replacing T.J. … T.J.’s one of a kind.”

Tomlin consistently repeats the team has a “next man up” mentality and said he will not be surprised when someone steps up and plays well.

“We’ve got depth at that position. I’m comfortable with the quality of depth,” he said. “We have guys that are capable.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) works out prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin: Steelers ‘optimistic’ OLB T.J. Watt could return Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt might be ready to jump from practice to gameday on Sunday when Pittsburgh returns from last week’s bye.

Safety Damontae Kazee (arm) and Watt (torn pectoral muscle) are eligible to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints if they’re activated from injured reserve. Kazee said Monday that he is fully healed from the broken forearm he suffered in preseason.

“We’ll continue to monitor those guys,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

The Steelers have a deadline of Saturday at 4 p.m. ET to make the roster moves, or Watt and Kazee would wait another week.

Watt considered surgery after playing in the first regular-season game at Cincinnati but opted to seek additional medical input. He ultimately decided to delay the surgery for rehabilitation of the muscle.

He was a full participant in Monday’s fully padded practice and came out of the workout unscathed, leaving Tomlin “optimistic” Watt is ready to play for the first time since Week 1.

Cornerback Arthur Maulet said Watt’s return shifts almost everything for the Steelers — from scheme to mindset — despite their 2-6 record.

“Honestly, for everybody … he makes it a whole lot different. You’ve got an MVP guy, right? But also just the work he puts in, it’s just second to none,” Maulet said.

Kazee had a plate and nine screws inserted to promote healing in his forearm, he said Monday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) takes on the field prior the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens place FB Patrick Ricard (knee) on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens placed Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard on injured reserve Thursday due to his knee injury.

The three-time Pro Bowler saw limited action in last week’s 20-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after missing the previous three games.

The loss of Ricard is a blow for Baltimore’s pass protection as it enters Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt has 21.5 sacks this season, one shy of the official NFL mark held by Michael Strahan (2001).

Also, tight end Nick Boyle, another solid blocker, was placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) sat out practice again Thursday. He has missed the past three games.

Backup Tyler Huntley (illness) was a full practice participant for the second straight day and may be in line to start the pivotal game.

The Steelers (8-7-1) and Ravens (8-8) are on the outside of the AFC playoff race. The winner of the contest will need help from multiple teams to sneak into the postseason field.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates with inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) during the third quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers OLB T.J. Watt to ‘keep the door open’ for Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt ran around enough in Friday’s practice to not rule out playing Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Watt is dealing with a groin injury that pushed him out of last week’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

He was able to participate in portions of the practice Friday but injuries remain a critical storyline for the Steelers.

Watt said he would “keep the door open” to face the Bengals with 48 hours between practice and the Week 3 kickoff.

Cornerback Joe Haden (groin) is also hoping to play, but the Steelers are not expected to have leading receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson has a team-high 14 receptions this season. He is dealing with a knee injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt (90) defends a pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger lobbies for paying T.J. Watt

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Ben Roethlisberger sees no ceiling on the financial value of outside linebacker T.J. Watt and implored the Pittsburgh Steelers to open the coffers and meet the pass rusher’s contract demands.

“I think T.J. Watt should get whatever the heck he wants. He’s arguably the best football player in the game right now, not just on defense but in general,” Roethlisberger said Wednesday. “I’ve been through a few negotiations here with contracts. One of the reasons was so he could get paid. He deserves every penny that he wants, asks for. T.J. Watt is ‘that guy’ and should get whatever he wants.”

With the Steelers in dire straits against the salary cap, Roethlisberger, 39, took a pay cut to return to the team in 2021.

Watt, 26, has been a participant in team and position meetings but avoided on-field workouts all offseason.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Watt would practice Wednesday and be available for the Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills.

Watt’s physical readiness is not known, but Tomlin voiced optimism he would be ready to play a significant role after leading the NFL with 15 sacks last season. He is a two-time All-Pro.

Reports surfaced Tuesday indicating Watt and the Steelers remained in a staredown over guarantees beyond the first year of the contract.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) reacts in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 18-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Adding J.J. Watt might cost Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson

Posted on | by Field Level Media

At $15.5 million per year for J.J. Watt, the Arizona Cardinals welcomed one reputable defender at the risk of losing another.

Patrick Peterson, 30, is headed for unrestricted free agency, and the former first-round pick expects to find stronger interest from suitors outside of Arizona. That’s because the Cardinals were left with just under $14 million in salary cap space entering the new league year.

“I know that I will be playing football for someone, if it’s the Cardinals or someone else,” Peterson said in a USA Today Sports interview. “I’m a go-with-the-flow-type guy. That’s out of my control. I’ve done everything I can do to show my worth, and I can still play this game. I know I will be playing football for somebody, so that’s my approach.”

Peterson denied a report he has already agreed to part ways with the team. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said he is hopeful the team can retain Peterson.

However, there is growing sentiment the Cardinals are chasing a No. 1-type receiver to pair with DeAndre Hopkins, which would leave Arizona with precious little cash to offer Peterson.

Peterson played out a five-year, $70.05 million deal that expired at the end of the 2020 season knowing this offseason could be a crossroads in his career. He openly applauded the Watt signing, even knowing the trickle down might mean relocation.

“When you have a guy like that on the market, you have to put it all on the line to risk it and put players on the roster to give you a good chance to win the championship,” he said. “They made a big splash, and we all know if you’re able to get to the quarterback effectively, you have a good opportunity to win.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) waits with teammates to walk onto the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt: ‘Free agency is wild’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

First-time NFL free agent J.J. Watt resurfaced publicly for the first time since he was granted his unconditional release by the Houston Texans to describe his ongoing foray into the open market.

“Free agency is wild,” Watt, 31, said via Twitter on Wednesday.

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was swarmed with interest in the hours after he was let go by the Texans. A report on Tuesday from Cleveland.com said Watt finds the Browns an attractive landing spot. In Watt’s opinion, the Browns are positioned to make a Super Bowl run. Further, the Browns have $21.7 million in cap space; Watt was set to make $17.5 million in 2021.

Plus, defensive end Myles Garrett (12 sacks in 2020) would be on the other side.

There are numerous suitors for the five-time All-Pro.

Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson said Tuesday that the Titans have reached out to Watt’s agents. Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Green Bay are also potential suitors. However, the Steelers and Packers are $30 million and $19 million over the cap, respectively.

Watt’s former teammate in Houston, Arizona wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, also took to social media Tuesday to woo Watt, photo-shopping Watt in a Cardinals uniform. Free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster told Watt to “come play with your brothers” — T.J. and Derek — in Pittsburgh.

The Browns reached out to Watt’s agents Friday after his release from Houston, per the report.

Watt is Houston’s all-time leader in sacks with 101, tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (282) and forced fumbles (25). He has 531 career tackles, 61 passes defensed and 16 fumble recoveries since the Texans made him the No. 11 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media