Pittsburgh Steelers Rule Out Critical Pieces For Week 16 Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially ruled out T.J. Watt for Sunday’s clash against the Detroit Lions. Yes, you read that right—no number 90 wreaking havoc off the edge this weekend.
Watt is still recovering from a procedure on his lung after a dry needling session went sideways last week. While the prognosis for his return this season is generally positive, he’s not ready to suit up just yet. This marks the second straight game the defense has to operate without its heart and soul. The injury bug didn’t stop at Watt, though.
Seumalo and Pierre Also Sidelined For the Steelers
It’s not just the pass rush taking a hit for the Steelers. The offensive line is down a key man as well. Guard Isaac Seumalo has been ruled out with a triceps injury. Seumalo has been a rock on the interior, so losing him is a tough blow for a run game that needs to control the clock against a high-powered Lions offense. Expect Spencer Anderson to likely step in, but the rotation could get interesting.
Cornerback James Pierre is also out with a calf injury. While Pierre is primarily a depth piece and special teamer, you never want to see your secondary thin out this late in the season, especially when you need all hands on deck against a passing attack like Detroit’s.
Herbig Doubtful, Kuntz Questionable
If you were hoping Nick Herbig could swoop in and save the day in Watt’s absence, you might want to temper those expectations. Herbig practiced in a limited capacity on Friday, but the team has listed him as doubtful with a hamstring issue. That leaves the outside linebacker rotation looking mighty thin. We’re likely looking at a heavy dose of Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer, with Jeremiah Moon rotating in.
In a weird twist, Long Snapper Christian Kuntz popped up on the report with a knee injury and is officially questionable. The team even signed Cal Adomitis to the practice squad as insurance. You know it’s a rough week when we are sweating the status of the long snapper.
The Good News: Reinforcements Are Coming
Okay, let’s take a deep breath. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Several key players have been cleared to play and carry no injury designation into Sunday. Center Zach Frazier (triceps) is good to go, which is massive for the offensive line stability. Also cleared are:
- OT Andrus Peat (concussion)
- WR Ben Skowronek (illness/hand)
- S Jabrill Peppers (illness)
- DL Derrick Harmon (knee)
- DL Keeanu Benton (ankle)
Even Cam Heyward, who took a rest day, will be out there doing Cam Heyward things.
What This Means For Sunday
Look, beating the Lions was always going to be a tall order. Doing it without Watt and Seumalo makes the mountain that much steeper. The Steelers’ defense is going to have to get creative to generate pressure, and the offense needs to protect the ball at all costs.
