...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 18 at 9–7 after a 13–6 loss at Cleveland on Sunday, a defeat that left Pittsburgh’s postseason fate dependent on Sunday night’s showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
That loss underscored the Steelers’ ongoing offensive struggles — just six points and no touchdowns — while also highlighting the impact of the absence of All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt.
Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung following dry-needling treatment on Wednesday, Dec. 10, underwent surgery the next day, and was released from the hospital on Friday. He has since missed the Steelers’ last three games.
Read More on NFL
Watt returned to limited practice late last week, and head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he is “more optimistic this week than I’ve been in previous weeks” about Watt’s availability for Sunday.
The Steelers are proceeding cautiously, however, as Watt would still need to clear full-practice participation and medical protocols to be active.
Through 13 appearances this season, Watt has posted 53 total tackles and 7.0 sacks, along with 18 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, one interception, and three forced fumbles — production that kept him among the NFL’s most disruptive defenders prior to the injury.
Across his nine-year NFL career, Watt has totaled 115 sacks, ranking 26th on the NFL’s all-time list, holds the league’s single-season sack record (22.5), and is tied for the most seasons leading the NFL in sacks (three), including two consecutive sack titles.
Watt is the Steelers’ primary edge-setting pass rusher and a key factor in altering both run and pass plans for the Ravens, who will again look to lean on Derrick Henry’s downhill rushing style and Lamar Jackson’s mobility both inside and outside the pocket.
Read More: Rob Gronkowski Sends Clear Message to Travis Kelce Amid Retirement Rumors
...
Read More: Netflix Under Fire After Issues Surface From NFL Christmas Day Games
Sunday night’s game (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) is essentially a one-game playoff: the winner clinches the final AFC playoff spot and the AFC North title, while the loser’s season ends.
Baltimore enters at 8–8 following a momentum-building road win at Lambeau Field in Week 17, a 41–24 victory over the Green Bay Packers fueled by 216 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns from Henry.
The Ravens are currently listed as 3.5-point road favorites with a total of 40.5 points, though Watt’s availability should significantly influence the betting line as kickoff approaches.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines