With a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff chances rose dramatically. While the Steelers are one step closer to making the playoffs as a Wild Card club, the victory appears to have come at a high cost.
Watt, a candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was hurt in the third quarter against Baltimore. He needed help getting into the locker room, and Pittsburgh quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks in 2024
Pittsburgh has a good chance of making the playoffs after defeating the Ravens on Saturday. The Steelers will only miss the playoffs if the Buffalo Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football and the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans.
The good news for Pittsburgh and head coach Mike Tomlin is that the path to the postseason is now clearer. Even if they make it in, there’s a chance Watt won’t be there for a while.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Steelers believe Watt suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain. If the MRI confirms the diagnosis, the All-Pro edge rusher might be out for several weeks.
T.J. Watt contract: $29.368 million in 2023, $30.418 million in 2024, and $30.418 million in 2025.
Watt, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, intended to play through the injury. Watt was pulled out for his own safety by the Steelers’ medical staff, and it would be impossible for Watt to play with a Grade 3 MCL sprain just a week after incurring the injury.
Considering how much the Steelersโ secondary has struggled in coverage when Watt and edge rusher Alex Highsmith werenโt creating pressure, even a short-term absence would be devastating for Pittsburghโs defense. If either the Jaguars or Bills lose on Sunday, expect Pittsburgh to provide an update on Wattโs status leading up to the Wild Card round next weekend.
