The harm occurred whereas Watt was receiving medical remedy on the Steelers’ facility on Wednesday, in response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Head coach Mike Tomlin stated on Thursday (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) that Watt remains to be within the hospital present process further testing, which can decide his standing for his or her Week 15 matchup towards the Dolphins.
Watt, 31, has began all 13 of the Steelers’ video games this season with an 82% snap share. He’s having one other wonderful season with seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, which rank first and second on the group. He has additionally been credited with 43 pressures, per Pro Football Focus which lead the Steelers and rank nineteenth within the NFL.
In different phrases, an absence from Watt can be a significant blow to Pittsburgh’s protection, although they’re positioned to resist it within the short-term. The four-time All-Professional nearly completely traces up on the left aspect of the protection with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig splitting snaps on the precise aspect. One of many two — seemingly Herbig — can fill a few of Watt’s snaps off the left edge.
Rookie Jack Sawyer can even be in line for some extra alternatives. The second-round choose has appeared in each recreation this 12 months however performed simply 182 snaps (19.4% snap share) with out a lot manufacturing. Sawyer has primarily rotated in for Watt on the left aspect and may see an uptick if he can’t play. That would additionally end in a follow squad elevation for fourth-year defensive finish DeMarvin Leal.
The Steelers shall be monitoring Watt’s situation fastidiously over the subsequent few days to judge his availability for Monday night time’s recreation.
