Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, expressed his optimism regarding the health of star linebacker T.J. Watt’s ankle, indicating that the injury is unlikely to sideline him for the upcoming game against Baltimore on Saturday. Watt, a perennial All-Pro player, suffered a twist to his left ankle in the closing moments of the Steelers’ 27-13 defeat to Philadelphia on Sunday. Following the game, Watt revealed that X-rays on his ankle came back negative, and he adopted a cautious “wait and see” approach in regards to his recovery.
Tomlin observed Watt moving around the team’s facilities on Monday morning and noted that the linebacker seemed to be managing the injury well. Despite the disappointing loss to the Eagles, Watt, who is 30 years old, shone brightly for the Steelers, recording two sacks and causing a crucial fumble. Tomlin defended his decision to keep Watt in the game even as the Eagles were closing in on victory, emphasizing that the team’s goal was always to compete and emerge victorious.
In addition to Watt’s injury, there is also hope that three other key players — wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) — may be able to participate in practice sessions this week. The Steelers have felt the impact of Pickens’ absence in their passing game, with quarterback Russell Wilson’s passing yardage dropping significantly in the two games that Pickens has missed. Notably, Wilson’s passing output hit a season-low of 128 yards against the Eagles without Pickens on the field.
As the team prepares for the upcoming match against Baltimore, Tomlin and the Steelers’ coaching staff are closely monitoring the health and availability of key players, aiming to field the strongest possible lineup. Despite the setbacks and injuries, the Steelers remain focused on their goal of securing victory and maintaining their position atop the AFC North standings. Stay tuned for further updates on the team’s preparations and player status as they gear up for this crucial divisional showdown.
