T.J. Watt: Steelers' LB Out for Sunday's Wildcard Game Against Bills Due to Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star outside linebacker T.J. Watt in their upcoming wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills, as announced by coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday, per ESPN.

T.J. Watt is sidelined due to a knee injury, and Tomlin emphasized the significance of playing without a key player while highlighting the team's collective effort.

"Obviously, playing without T.J. is significant, but to be quite honest with you, we've played without a lot of people this year," Tomlin said.

Tomlin expressed confidence in a committee approach to replace Watt, acknowledging the uniqueness of the player but emphasizing the team's depth of experience in the position.

Mason Rudolph is set to start as quarterback in Sunday's playoff game, with the Steelers on a three-game winning streak since Rudolph took over the role.

Rudolph's most recent foray into postseason football occurred during the 2017 Camping World Bowl when he assumed the role of quarterback for Oklahoma State.

His performance in the game was stellar, earning him the prestigious title of the Most Valuable Player.

T.J. Watt Injury

Watt sustained his knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday's victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and he did not return to the game, according to USA Today.

The win, combined with a Jacksonville Jaguars loss, secured the No. 7 seed for the Steelers in the playoffs.

J.J. Watt, T.J.'s brother and CBS analyst, disclosed that T.J. has a Grade 2 MCL sprain, requiring a few weeks of recovery.

Despite the setback, T.J. Watt had an outstanding season, leading the NFL with 19 sacks, forcing four fumbles, and recording 68 total tackles.

In Watt's absence during Saturday's game, rookies Nick Herbig and Markus Golden stepped up to fill the gap, with Golden making a crucial sack on Ravens' quarterback Tyler Huntley.

Coach Tomlin expressed confidence in the team's depth at the linebacker position, highlighting the thoughtful acquisition of Markus Golden and the drafting of Nick Herbig.

He emphasized the team's comfort with the quality of depth, signaling optimism even in Watt's absence.

While Watt is ruled out for the game, Tomlin provided a positive update on safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been sidelined since Week 15 due to a knee injury.

The Steelers are hopeful for Fitzpatrick's return. Additionally, safety Damontae Kazee, suspended for the final three regular-season games, is set to rejoin the team, providing a boost to the defense.

J.J. Watt Jokes About Covering for His Brother

Following the confirmation of T.J. Watt's absence, J.J. Watt, who recently retired, teased the possibility of suiting up in the No. 90 jersey for the Steelers this weekend, FanNation noted.

Speculation has surrounded J.J.'s potential return to football, with Pittsburgh often mentioned as a potential landing spot.

However, the practicality of such a scenario remains uncertain, and the focus remains on the upcoming game without either Watt brother on the field.

As the Steelers prepare for their playoff challenge against the Buffalo Bills, the absence of T.J. Watt poses a significant test for the team's defensive unit.

The emphasis on collective effort and depth will be crucial in their pursuit of a postseason victory.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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