Category: T.J. Watt

Steelers insider argues T.J. Watt’s health calls for limiting snaps

A Steelers insider suggests benching T.J. Watt at halftime in Week 18, citing his health as critical for the team’s postseason success.

In what could only be described as a tough two-game stretch for former 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt—one that saw him fail to record a single sack in two consecutive games—one insider shared his opinion on how to prepare Watt for the playoffs.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, while appearing on the 93.7 livestream on January 3, referenced the idea of benching Watt at halftime in Week 18 after he got some snaps in. He updated fans on the nature of Watt’s health and explained why this decision would be beneficial to the Steelers’ long-term postseason aspirations, arguing:

“T.J. isn’t healthy. He needs some rest. You have to be smart with him.”

It has become evident to fans watching Steelers football over the past few weeks that Watt’s ankle injury may be affecting him more than previously believed.

 

Should the Steelers risk playing Watt at all against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, or should the Black and Gold heed Kaboly’s advice and limit his snaps?

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T.J. Watt may lose out on 2024 DPOY as new betting odds emerge

T.J. Watt’s dominance may not be enough to secure D.P.O.Y. as Patrick Surtain emerges as a top contender. Can Week 18 shift the narrative?

Frustrating as it may be, fans of the Black and Gold might witness another of T.J. Watt’s standout seasons end without Defensive Player of the Year recognition.

Arguably, Watt was snubbed twice before—back in 2020 and 2023—in favor of Rams DT Aaron Donald and Browns EDGE Myles Garrett, respectively.

Although Watt has struggled in recent weeks, he was still considered the favorite to win the award. However, a new frontrunner has emerged over the former 2022 D.P.O.Y.: Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II according to BetMGM.

Surtain has held the following superstar wide receivers to zero yards when targeted: Tyreek Hill, Terry McLaurin, Ja’Marr Chase, and Odell Beckham Jr.

Watt’s 11.5 sacks and league-leading 5 forced fumbles may not be enough to hold off the younger cornerback from claiming the 2024 D.P.O.Y. award.  Watt’s odds, according to Bovada, have fallen to the second-best +190, while Surtain’s odds are -230.

Will Surtain deliver another heartbreaking NFL Honors ceremony for Steelers fans, or will Watt reclaim his shot at the crown with an elite Week 18 performance?

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Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt breaks franchise record once shared with Antonio Brown

Pittsburgh Steelers defender T.J. Watt was named the team’s MVP for 2024, marking a franchise-best fifth time he’s earned the honor.

T.J. Watt has made Pittsburgh Steelers history yet again. The All-Pro pass-rusher was named the team’s MVP for the 2024 season, marking the fifth time he’s earned the honor—a franchise record. Watt continues to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in Steelers’ history and an NFL icon.

This season, Watt was a game-changer week in and week out. He racked up 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and multiple key plays in critical moments. Whether it was harassing quarterbacks, shutting down the run, or rallying the defense with his relentless energy, Watt was the heartbeat of the Steelers’ success.

Breaking the previous record of four team MVP awards, shared by Antonio Brown, Watt’s achievement reflects his consistent dominance. He also earned the award from 2019-2021 and 2023. His leadership extended beyond the field, mentoring younger players and setting the standard for work ethic and excellence.

Steelers fans know the team can win as long as Watt is on the field. His 2024 MVP honor cements his place among the franchise’s all-time greats and reinforces his reputation as the NFL’s premier defensive player. The sky remains the limit for this Steelers superstar.

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Is T.J. Watt playing today? Injury updates for Steelers EDGE

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is dealing with an ankle injury. Here’s the latest update.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be down a starting edge rusher, as T.J. Watt (ankle) is not listed among the sidelined for their Week 16 brawl with the Baltimore Ravens.

Hearts of Steelers fans everywhere dropped when Watt was injured toward the end of their embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Thankfully, the injury wasn’t as bad as it initially appeared. Watt was limited at practice early in the week but was a full participant on Thursday.

Watt is on pace for a career-high in forced fumbles. He’s also logged three passes defended, two fumbles recovered, 11.5 sacks, 54 tackles and 27 quarterback hits on the season.

The Steelers will have to do without star receiver George Pickens (hamstring), quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) and safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) on Saturday. Both cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are questionable.

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Is T.J. Watt playing this week? Injury updates for Steelers EDGE

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is dealing with an ankle injury. Here’s the latest update.

The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t be down a starting edge rusher, as T.J. Watt (ankle) is not listed among the sidelined for their Week 16 brawl with the Baltimore Ravens.

Hearts of Steelers fans everywhere dropped when Watt was injured toward the end of their embarrassing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Thankfully, the injury wasn’t as bad as it initially appeared. Watt was limited at practice early in the week but was a full participant on Thursday.

Watt is on pace for a career-high in forced fumbles. He’s also logged three passes defended, two fumbles recovered, 11.5 sacks, 54 tackles and 27 quarterback hits on the season.

The Steelers will have to do without star receiver George Pickens (hamstring) and quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) on Saturday. Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) is doubtful, and cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are both questionable.

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Steelers EDGE T.J. Watt could play in Week 16 vs. Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has not ruled out EDGE T.J. Watt for their Week 16 matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s a short turnaround for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Following a tough Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Steelers have five days to prepare for rival Baltimore Ravens.

Among players injured in the loss was star EDGE rusher T.J. Watt. Mike Tomlin has not ruled out Watt, who sustained an ankle injury late.

Watt said postgame that ankle x-rays were negative. Tomlin is optimistic Watt will play this weekend, deeming him questionable heading into Ravens week.

“We’re playing for a division title,” Tomlin said in his Monday press conference. “Those who are healthy will play.”

The Steelers take on the Ravens on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in Baltimore.

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T.J. Watt hits Steelers milestone in Week 15 matchup vs Eagles

T.J. Watt tied James Harrison’s Steelers record for forced fumbles, inching closer to becoming the franchise’s all-time leader.

You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit in the wind, and you shouldn’t let T.J. Watt anywhere near an opposing quarterback. Despite suffering an apparent ankle injury in Pittsburgh’s Week 15 loss to the Eagles, Watt once again etched his name among all-time Steelers legends by tying the record for most forced fumbles in team history.

Toward the end of the first quarter, Watt made a huge splash play by punching the football out of Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts’ arms, earning his 33rd career forced fumble in the process.

Watt is now tied with Steelers legend James Harrison, but at this stage of his career, surpassing Harrison is practically a matter of when, not if.

If Watt is healthy enough to play in what may be the most important game of the Steelers’ season so far—the AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16—fans should have their eyes glued to his immaculate ability to knock footballs loose.

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Steelers OLB T.J. Watt provides positive injury update from Week 15

T.J. Watt provides relief to fans with a positive injury update, keeping their hopes alive for the AFC North showdown against the Ravens.

Fear not, Steelers fans, for it appears your prayers have been answered! In Week 15, the hearts of the Black and Gold faithful dropped as fans watched former 2022 D.P.O.Y. T.J. Watt roll on the ground in pain during the fourth quarter of the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries have been a recurring concern for Watt over the past few seasons, but fans were treated to an immediate and remarkable update—straight from Watt himself.

While speaking to reporters after the Week 15 contest, Watt revealed that tests and X-rays came back negative, and the issue was as simple as rolling his ankle.

It remains to be seen if Watt will be able to recover in time for Saturday’s Week 16 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, but the Steelers defender will do all he can to make sure he is ready for the AFC North showdown—especially with the opportunity to clinch the division on the line.

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T.J. Watt suffers apparent ankle injury in Week 15 vs Eagles

T.J. Watt’s late-game injury clouds the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff outlook, but their depth at linebacker offers hope.

As if the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 15, 13-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t get any worse, their best player on defense appeared to suffer an injury to his left leg at the end of the contest.

With under five minutes remaining, T.J. Watt attempted to bend to the outside to get around Eagles RT Lane Johnson but collapsed to the ground, clutching his left foot and ankle area.

The good news is that Watt ultimately walked off the field under his own power, but the timing couldn’t be worse with the playoffs just weeks away.

The Pittsburgh Steelers boast incredible depth at the outside linebacker position, with a plethora of capable pass rushers—Preston Smith, Nick Herbig, and Alex Highsmith—ready to step up in Watt’s potential absence. Watt’s availability for the remainder of the regular season will be the top question on everyone’s minds. Stay tuned to Steelers Wire for updates.

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Playoff losses a ‘huge thorn in my side’ for Steelers LB T.J. Watt

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game during T.J. Watt’s career.

Going all the way back to his rookie season in 2017, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has established himself as one of the best all-around defensive players in the NFL. He has been the cornerstone of the Steelers defense for years and will go down in history as one of the best players in franchise history.

One thing that has eluded Watt during his career is postseason success. In fact, the Steelers have never won a playoff game with Watt on the team. This is something Watt takes very personal. He talked about it in an interview and was candid about the team’s playoff woes.

“I’m just trying to win games and get to the playoffs and have my first playoff win,” Watt said. “It has been a huge thorn in my side since I’ve been here.”

Watt and the Steelers have a great chance to break that winless streak this season. Pittsburgh is 9-3 and in the lead in the AFC North. They are currently the No. 3 seed in the AFC and look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

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