Steelers’ T.J. Watt in ‘Wait-and-See’ Mode After Ankle Injury: Key Updates Ahead of Baltimore Matchup
The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding their breath after star linebacker T.J. Watt rolled his left ankle during a tough 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Watt’s injury occurred while pursuing Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the fourth quarter, leaving fans and the team concerned about his availability for next week’s crucial showdown against division-rival Baltimore Ravens.
Watt’s Injury Status: What We Know
After the game, Watt described his condition as being in “wait-and-see” mode, downplaying the severity of the injury. The 30-year-old linebacker, who leads the Steelers with 11.5 sacks this season, underwent evaluation in the medical tent but did not return to the field. While the injury does not appear to be serious, his status for next weekend remains uncertain.
Steelers’ Playoff Picture
Despite Sunday’s loss, the Steelers (10-4) still managed to clinch a playoff berth thanks to losses by the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. However, the AFC North title is still up for grabs, with the Ravens trailing the Steelers by just one game. The two teams are set for a high-stakes clash on Saturday in Baltimore, a matchup that could determine division supremacy.
Defensive Struggles Against Eagles
The Steelers struggled to contain the Eagles’ offense, as Jalen Hurts connected with receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, both of whom posted over 100 yards receiving. Watt emphasized the team’s need to improve on third downs, stating: “We need to find ways to get off [the field]. We’ve been pretty good all year long on three-and-outs … we weren’t good enough today.”
What’s Next for Pittsburgh?
Following the Ravens game, the Steelers face a challenging schedule to close out the regular season:
- Hosting the Kansas City Chiefs
- Ending the season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals
With playoff seeding and a division title on the line, every game is critical for Pittsburgh.
Additional Injury Concerns
The Steelers’ injury woes didn’t end with Watt. Backup quarterback Justin Fields exited the game after a hard hit to the abdomen, and cornerback Donte Jackson left with a back injury. Coach Mike Tomlin, however, remained optimistic, saying: “It is a loss. I mean, let’s not get dramatic.”
Final Thoughts
While Watt’s injury appears manageable for now, his status will be closely monitored in the days leading up to the Ravens matchup. The Steeler’s defense will need their star linebacker at full strength as they push for a division title and a favorable playoff position.