PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic that star linebacker T.J. Watt’s injured ankle won’t prevent him from playing in Saturday’s game against Baltimore. Watt, a perennial All-Pro, suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter during a 27-13 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. Following the game, Watt stated that X-rays on the ankle were negative and that he was in a “wait and see” situation regarding his availability for the upcoming game.
Tomlin reported that Watt appeared to be moving around without significant issues when he was seen at the team’s facility on Monday morning. Despite the injury, Watt had a standout performance against the Eagles, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble. Tomlin defended his decision to keep Watt on the field during the final minutes of the game, even though the Steelers were down by two scores, explaining that the team was focused on playing to win.
The Steelers are also hopeful that several other injured players, including wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), could potentially practice this week. Pickens’ absence has noticeably impacted Pittsburgh’s offense, especially in the passing game, which has struggled in the two games without him.
In Pickens’ absence, quarterback Russell Wilson has had a significant decline in his passing performance, averaging just 143 yards per game, including a season-low 128 yards in the loss to Philadelphia. The team’s passing attack has struggled to find its rhythm without Pickens on the field, further highlighting his importance to the offense.
Despite these challenges, the Steelers maintain a strong position in the AFC North with a 10-4 record. Tomlin remains focused on keeping the team competitive, particularly with the crucial matchup against Baltimore ahead. The team is aiming to bounce back from their loss to Philadelphia and continue their pursuit of the division title.
While Watt’s ankle injury remains a concern, his potential availability for the game against Baltimore is crucial for Pittsburgh’s defense. As one of the league’s top pass rushers, his presence on the field would provide a significant boost, especially against a formidable opponent like the Ravens. The Steelers will need all hands on deck to maintain their lead in the division.
As the week progresses, the team will continue to monitor the recovery of its injured players, including Watt, Pickens, Elliott, and Ogunjobi. Their status for practice and the upcoming game will likely play a major role in the Steelers’ preparation for the important divisional clash with Baltimore.
