Pittsburgh will need a lot of help this weekend to make a run at the playoffs, but it won’t be easy. Here’s the Steelers news you need to know before the new year.
As we gear up for a crowded slate of games on New Year’s day, Pittsburgh Steelers fans everywhere are going to be tuning in to the early games to see if there will still be something to play for when Sunday Night Football rolls around.
While Mike Tomlin’s team will kick off against the Baltimore Ravens in primetime AFC North action, their fate could be decided before that point if the Dolphins or Jets win on January 1st. Pittsburgh did receive some fortunate news recently at the expense of their competition. Here’s the latest Steelers news you must know heading into the new year.
Steelers news
After missing practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, fans were anxious to see if Ravens QB Lamar Jackson could at least log a limited practice on Friday as he works his way back from a PCL sprain. However, the former MVP quarterback wasn’t able to go.
The Baltimore Sun first reported that Jackson missed Friday’s practice and that the team is expected to start Tyler Huntley at home against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football. This wasn’t a decision out of the blue. With the Ravens already clinching a playoff spot, it wouldn’t make sense for Baltimore to risk the health of their quarterback for a shot at home-field advantage.
This news is bad for the Ravens’ chances of swapping places with Cincinnati over the final two weeks, but good for the Steelers. Obviously, even with a win, Pittsburgh would need many more games to go their way to get into the playoffs.
More Steelers news
After the funeral of Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers fans gathered outside of Acrisure Stadium where a digital billboard was displayed to pay their respects. A steady stream of fans made it out to the stadium to pay their respects to the legendary running back who recently passed away.
NFL news
Recently, former All-Pro defender J.J. Watt announced his retirement from the NFL. This was a sad moment for many, as Watt was once one of the most dominant and imposing football players we have ever seen.
With a voided contract following the 2022 season, many Steelers fans were hopeful that Watt would join his brothers in Pittsburgh. Perhaps he comes out of retirement, but this pipe dream no longer looks like a possibility. Watt was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015.