If there's one thing the Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't afford in the late-season stretch, it was a catastrophic injury to T.J. Watt. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year and 2024 DPOY frontrunner was having another excellent season before disaster struck in Week 15.
In the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles, Watt recorded a pair of sacks that saw him increase his legendary pace. In the process, Watt leapfrogged Ed 'Too Tall' Jones and Mark Gastinaeu on the NFL's all-time sack list with 108.0 sacks to his name.
Watt also had a game-wrecking forced fumble in the first half that resulted in a takeaway for Pittsburgh (though a disappointing offense was unable to turn it into points the other way.
But disaster struck in the fourth quarter.
With Pittsburgh's chances of mounting a comeback waning, Watt tried to beat right tackle Lane Johnson around the edge. Unfortunately, the Steelers pass rusher went down in pain, holding his left foot.
Steelers playoff chances will be pulverized if T.J. Watt's injury is severe
Watt gingerly made his way off the field and was attended to by trainers, but this didn't look good. The four-time First-Team All-Pro was the runaway favorite to win the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award after earning 11.5 sacks on the season and leading all players in forced fumbles and tackles for a loss in 2024
At this point, the extent of Watt's injury is unclear. If he has to miss time, the results could be disastrous.
In 2022, Watt missed most of the first half of the season with a pectoral injury. The Steelers are 1-11 all-time without Watt in the lineup, and this team has had an impossible time trying to function without him.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely. A few minutes after suffering the injury, Watt made his way to the locker room — effectively ending his evening. This is the last thing the Pittsburgh Steelers need. Let's pray the injury is nothing serious and that he can return to the field soon.
Update: T.J. Watt told the media he rolled his left ankle and X-rays came back negative.