Of all the things Steelers fans don't want to hear heading into a pivotal Week 16 matchup, this is high on the list. T.J. Watt, who has been dealing with an ankle injury suffered in the closing minutes of Pittsburgh's game against the Eagles, might be a game-time decision.
The Steelers are preparing to face the Ravens in Baltimore on a short week for a Saturday evening contest. This meant the practice schedule for both teams was bumped up a day in preparation for the game. After Watt practiced in limited fashion on Wednesday, fans were optimistic about his chances of playing.
Unfortunately, Watt's status now appears to be entirely up in the air.
TJ Watt was non-committal on playing Saturday in Baltimore, but he said the ankle felt pretty good this week
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 19, 2024
During Thursday's practice — Pittsburgh's final practice before traveling to Baltimore — Watt could be seen moving gingerly on his sprained ankle. In team drills, the Steelers star couldn't go full speed.
Some way less than full speed reps from #Steelers OLB T.J. Watt today. pic.twitter.com/66npoo38YR
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) December 19, 2024
WATT WATCH: Here’s T.J. on that banged up left ankle going through some individual drills at the start of practice today pic.twitter.com/PaC60bps5R
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 19, 2024
Only Watt knows exactly how his sprained left ankle is feeling and he may have been taking it easy to avoid a setback. However, these clips are very discouraging. Watt is clearly hobbled and wasn't even able to go half-speed during the final day of practice on Thursday.
Steelers could be in trouble if T.J. Watt can't isn't ready to play vs. Ravens
So much of the Steelers' success hinges on the health of T.J. Watt. This is evidenced by Pittsburgh's 1-11 record all-time without him (including the playoff loss to the Bills last year). If the ankle injury is bothering Watt this much, the All-Pro pass rusher will make a minimal impact even if he does suit up on Saturday.
With time running out on a short week, Watt could be a game-time decision. If he's unable to go, We would see a heavy dose of Nick Herbig and Preston Smith mixing it up with starter Alex Highsmith at the edge rusher position.
The last thing the Steelers need is for their best player to suffer an injury setback that could linger into the playoffs. At the same time, a win in Baltimore would secure Pittsburgh the AFC North crown and give Mike Tomlin's team a home game in the Wild Card round of the postseason.
The Steelers have an important decision on their hands. Watt has been the kryptonite to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. Let's hope he can get healthy enough to suit up and make an impact on Saturday for this pivotal Week 16 divisional matchup.