On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to keep their playoff hopes alive by getting a 17-10 win on the road over the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens.
However, the win might have come at a cost for the Steelers.
During the second half of the matchup, Pittsburgh All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt left the game with a knee injury, and according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday, the veteran defender has reportedly suffered a torn MCL (via Ian Rapoport on Twitter).
From @NFLGameDay: #Steelers star TJ Watt is believed to have suffered a torn MCL, pending further tests. Bad news if Pittsburgh makes the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/mR6XdPBy0L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
Rapoport described Watt’s torn MCL as a multi-week injury, and he said that it’s difficult to envision him returning to the field with his teammates this season if the Steelers are able to get into the playoffs.
It’s a gigantic blow to Pittsburgh’s hopes of making any noise in the upcoming postseason, as they would likely be attempting to get a win without their best defensive player out on the field.
Despite the unfortunate report on Sunday, the Steelers should actually be thankful that Watt’s injury isn’t expected to be something much more serious.
If he were to have suffered something like a torn ACL, it could have forced him to miss time at the beginning of Pittsburgh’s 2024 season.
So, luckily for the Steelers, it doesn’t sound like that is the case.
In 17 games this season, Watt was able to accumulate 68 tackles (including 19 for a loss), 50 pressures, 19 sacks, eight pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and one interception.
He’s already been voted to the AFC’s roster for the 2024 Pro Bowl Game, but with this injury, one should expect that he won’t be participating in any of the NFL’s annual all-star event.
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