The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a Week 8 matchup against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles and it could potentially crush any playoff hopes anyone in the organization is still clinging onto. Philadelphia is one of the best and healthiest teams in the NFL following the franchise's bye week.
The group also has an explosive offense and Mike Tomlin and company can barely put up 16 points per game. Pittsburgh has had a plethora of injuries this season and is still without dominant pass rusher, T.J. Watt. The injury report for Sunday's game showed a key reinforcement may be on the way, but there are still many question marks.
Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon warms up prior to a 2022 preseason game. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. One of the more complicated and delicate things that can prohibit an athlete from being successful is an issue with a specific muscle that Witherspoon has dealt with. After a Steelers interception against Cleveland, the veteran pass defender exited and hasn't been seen in game action since.
The good news is that he should be on the field versus the Eagles barring a setback late this week. He was a full participant on Wednesday and that has historically been a great sign for a player's future availability.
#Steelers Wednesday injury report...#PITvsPHI pic.twitter.com/r5kuvze7zX
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 26, 2022
Even if Witherspoon finally comes back, the team could be down Levi Wallace who has battled his own fair share of injuries this season. That isn't where it stops, though. Two defensive linemen in Montravius Adams and Larry Ogunjobi did not practice on Wednesday while Josh Jackson, a depth option at cornerback, missed out with a groin injury. Tight end, Pat Freiermuth was the only offensive weapon to be limited.
Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) lines up on the line of scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against the New York Jets. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Overall, the Steelers are relatively healthy. Watt practiced on Wednesday and the organization opened up his 21-day window to be transferred to the active roster. That is the biggest injury on fans' minds, but a boost in cornerback depth if Witherspoon plays and Wallace overcomes his shoulder injury would certainly help against a dangerous Philadelphia offense.
The Steelers' Larry Ogunjobi (#99), T.J. Watt (#90), and Devin Bush (#55) get ready for a tough matchup against the Bengals in Pittsburgh, PA (Photo Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
While the former AP Defensive Player of the Year is unlikely to be ready to go for Week 8, his simple presence at practice and visible healthy nature is the best news that anyone from within the organization could receive. The Steelers have led the league each year since Watt was drafted in sacks and now sit at the bottom of the statistical category. We can focus on this week against the Eagles if necessary, but Watt nearing a return is indeed a huge revelation.
All hands should be on deck for Philadelphia. The team will face one of the biggest offensive threats in the league and the Steelers' recent, 38-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, should open up the awareness of the coaching staff and where the team is at. It is crucial that Tomlin uses anyone who is healthy and able to contribute to one of the bigger upsets the NFL will have seen all season.
Who is the most important player who is going to be either in or out in this week's battle against the Eagles? Let us know in the comments below!
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