T.J. Watt’s Uncertain Return Puts Steelers Defensive Plans at Risk Against Lions
The Pittsburgh Steelers face an uphill battle as they prepare for their Week 16 showdown against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. A significant portion of their defensive lineup may be sidelined, with the team’s latest injury report revealing concerning news for fans and coaches alike. Key players, including outside linebackers T.J. Watt (lung) and Nick Herbig (hamstring), cornerback James Pierre (calf), and left guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), were all marked as non-participants in practice.
Watt’s Troubling Health Situation
Watt’s status is particularly alarming following a recent health scare. The star linebacker was hospitalized due to a partially collapsed lung that required surgical intervention, a complication stemming from a dry needling treatment he underwent at the Steelers’ facility. Given the severity of his condition, the team is understandably cautious about his return. While it remains likely that Watt will play again this season, a return for the crucial matchup against the Lions seems increasingly improbable.
“He is working through it. He is working through it,” shared Watt’s brother, J.J., during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” His words reflect the uncertainty surrounding T.J.’s recovery process. “It’s obviously not somewhere that he expected or would like to be. But just handling the situation day by day and making sure to find the appropriate and proper steps to get back to where he would like to be.”
Depth Issues at Edge Rusher
Without Watt in the lineup, the Steelers’ edge-rushing unit is considerably weakened. Herbig, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, logged only 27 snaps in the absence of Watt during the Week 15 victory over the Miami Dolphins, where he managed just a single pressure, according to Pro Football Focus. The 24-year-old also missed the season opener against the New York Jets due to a hamstring injury. With both Watt and Herbig’s availability in doubt for the Lions game, the Steelers may need to lean heavily on Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer to fill the void and shoulder the defensive workload.
Seumalo’s Ongoing Injury Issues
The situation is further complicated by Seumalo’s recent triceps injury, which he sustained during the game against the Dolphins. Previously, he dealt with a pectoral strain suffered against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. Although he returned for a brief appearance against the Indianapolis Colts, he was unable to continue and subsequently missed the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. His status for the upcoming Lions game is now uncertain, leaving the Steelers with a potential gap in their offensive line.
If Seumalo cannot suit up, Ryan McCollum may step in at left guard, a role he filled during the Dolphins game. Spencer Anderson is also a possibility to start, having previously taken the reins when Seumalo was sidelined against the Chargers.
The Impact of Pierre’s Absence
Cornerback James Pierre has emerged as a vital player for Pittsburgh this season. With his status now uncertain due to a calf injury, the team will need to adapt quickly. In his absence, Asante Samuel Jr. took over against the Dolphins, putting forth a solid performance that included an interception of Tua Tagovailoa in the first quarter. Samuel’s effective play offers some reassurance for the Steelers’ secondary moving forward, should Pierre miss another crucial game.
As the Steelers gear up for this pivotal matchup against the Lions, the stakes are high. The uncertainties surrounding key players like Watt, Seumalo, and Pierre leave the team with pressing questions about their defensive strategy and overall effectiveness on the field. With a playoff berth on the line, every decision and recovery will be critical in the weeks to come.
