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Should Steelers OLB T.J. Watt bother suiting up against the Dolphins?

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Steelers pass rusher, T.J. Watt, is day-to-day with an abdominal injury. Should he even bother suiting up against the Miami Dolphins this week?

I know it’s this kind of mentality that frequently gets us in trouble, but this is a serious question: Should Steelers star defender, T.J. Watt, bother suiting up for the Monday night game against the Dolphins?

Watt has been dealing with an abdominal injury that he describes as day-to-day. Here is what Missi Matthews reporting on what defensive coordinator, Keith Butler, had to say about Watt’s injury:

Knowing that T.J. Watt – perhaps the best player on the Steelers roster – is dealing with a nagging injury, Pittsburgh should be very hesitant to send him out on the field on Monday night.

There is nothing more critical to the Steelers defense at this point than keeping their Pro Bowl pass rusher healthy. Watt has had a remarkable start to the 2019 season that includes 4.0 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, 6 tackles for a loss, and an interception in 6 games.

He is also the 4th highest rated edge defender in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 89.7 on the season. This is a better mark than players like Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney, Demarcus Lawrence, and his big brother, J.J. Watt.

Though this is a must-win game for the Steelers, the Miami Dolphins aren’t exactly the cream of the crop. But with Anthony Chickillo on the commissioner’s exempt list following an arrest for a domestic incident, Pittsburgh is very shorthanded at the position.

The Steelers are heavy favorites this week, and the absence of T.J. Watt shouldn’t change that. What’s more important is making sure he gets back to full health, as Pittsburgh faces challenging matchups against the Colts and Rams over the next two weeks.

dark. Next. Steelers vs. Dolphins: Experts unanimously picking Pittsburgh to win

I don’t want to underestimate Miami, as the Steelers are just a 2-4 football team themselves. Obviously, this game is crucial for Pittsburgh. But if they can’t beat the Dolphins during a primetime game on their own tuff without the assistance of Watt, they won’t be going anywhere this season. Perhaps it’s best to let him sit this one out.

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