Steelers Face Linebacker Dilemma Ahead of Lions Showdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a tightening bind as they prepare for their upcoming clash against the Detroit Lions. In a move that underscores their need for depth at the outside linebacker position, the Steelers have re-signed Jeremiah Moon from the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers. However, this addition also raises concerns about the availability of the team’s leading linebackers.
Injury Concerns for Key Players
Both T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig were absent from the Steelers’ first practice of the week, raising alarm bells regarding their potential participation in Week 16. Watt is grappling with a lung injury, while Herbig is dealing with a hamstring issue. Although this does not definitively rule them out, the absence of both players casts doubt on their readiness to take the field against the Lions.
Watt’s Recovery Journey
The timeline for Watt’s return remains uncertain, following his recent surgery to address a partially collapsed lung, an injury that originated from a dry needling procedure at the team’s facility. Reports surrounding his recovery have varied significantly. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicated that Watt might return “sooner than anticipated,” while NFL Network suggested that a comeback against the Lions is a possibility. Conversely, ESPN has warned that it would be “challenging” for Watt to make it back in time for the game at Ford Field.
While it seems likely that Watt will see the field again this season, predicting the exact timing of his return remains a guessing game. As the Steelers brace for their matchup with the Lions, the stakes are high, and the health of their linebacking corps could prove pivotal in their quest for victory.
