The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a tense moment when linebacker T.J. Watt collapsed to the turf in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Eagles, clutching his left ankle after pursuing quarterback Jalen Hurts. The injury raised concerns for the Steelers, especially with a crucial matchup against division rival Baltimore approaching.
Following the game, Watt expressed that he was in “wait-and-see” mode regarding his availability for next weekend. The 30-year-old former NFL Defensive Player of the Year suffered a rolled ankle but did not believe it to be a serious injury. He leads the Steelers with 11.5 sacks this season but was unable to return after being evaluated in the medical tent.
In Watt’s absence, the Steelers’ defense struggled to contain Hurts, as well as wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, both of whom exceeded 100 receiving yards in the Eagles’ 27-13 victory. Despite the loss, the Steelers (10-4) secured a playoff berth due to losses by Indianapolis and Miami, though Watt dismissed this as “no consolation.”
With the Ravens trailing the Steelers by just one game in the AFC North standings, the upcoming clash in Baltimore is critical. Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson noted the importance of the game, as the team looks to maintain its division lead, bolstered by six wins against teams currently with losing records.
However, the Steelers’ performance against the Eagles was disappointing, particularly on defense. “We need to find ways to get off the field,” Watt said, acknowledging the team’s struggles with third downs. Wilson also had a tough outing, throwing for a season-low 128 yards and making a critical mistake when he mishandled a pitch to running back Najee Harris, which led to a touchdown for the Eagles.
The absence of wide receiver George Pickens, who leads the team with 55 receptions and 850 receiving yards, was felt keenly as he missed his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. “Having George Pickens out there is a good thing for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Wilson said, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt and make plays regardless.
In addition to Watt, the Steelers also lost backup quarterback Justin Fields to an abdominal injury and cornerback Donte Jackson to a back injury, complicating their situation further. Despite the challenges, the prospect of reaching the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons provided some solace in the locker room.
“It’s a great thing for us. That’s our expectation,” Wilson said. “But we want to win this division; that’s our goal. We’ve got to go take it. We’ve got to find a way on the road in Baltimore, which we know is going to be a great football game.”
The Steelers hope to have both Watt and Pickens back in the lineup as they prepare for this critical matchup.
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