In an unexpected turn of events, Pittsburgh Steelers dominant edge rusher, T.J. Watt has not been activated from IR and will be unable to suit up for the team's Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year tore his pec in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals and has been sidelined since. The defense is last in the NFL in sacks since Week 2 after leading the league each year since Watt was drafted in 2017. At 2-5, Mike Tomlin's team needed a spark heading into a matchup versus the undefeated Eagles, but will not get it from the NFL's best defensive player in 2021.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
There is no doubt that the team's defensive unit has regressed with the star watching from afar. The amount of preparation that goes into developing a game plan for Watt has proven to affect a team's focus on game days. The Steelers players who typically make a difference on defense have been less effective than usual since the injury to their core player. Linebacker, Alex Highsmith had 3 sacks in the first game of the year, but has managed 3.5 since, respectively.
In Pittsburgh's opener in 2022, Watt had six tackles, three tackles for loss, two passes defended, one sack, one QB hit and one interception. It is impossible to explain the indescribable impact that he has had on the Steelers' defense since he was selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but if there is any chance of the team turning the 2022 season around and making a late run, he is the key.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (90) during an NFL football practice, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steeler Nation recently reported that sources said the vital part of the defense would return in Philadelphia. It was an exciting development, but with the current state of the team, many may have wondered if it was worth it to play a franchise cornerstone player and rush him back from injury when a championship is realistically out of reach this season.
Coming off a season where he tied the sack record and got to the opposing quarterback 22.5 times, we all expected the competitor to have a desire to return to action if his body was telling him it was fully healed. Fans were excited, but he won't dress on Sunday. It is still important to keep an eye on Watt and how much he partakes in pregame Sunday. The likelihood is that he will return to action in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.
Do you think the activation and participation of a rusty Watt would have enhanced the Steelers' chances of winning against the Eagles? Let us know in the comments below!
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