JJ Watt Optimistic About Steelers' TJ Watt's Recovery: "Feeling Better" Than Expected

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, but they nearly faced a fate far worse: the loss of All-Pro edge rusher, TJ Watt. During the fourth quarter, Watt was blocked and possibly held by Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson. The next thing you saw was Watt on the ground in obvious pain. The Steelers secured a postseason berth despite the loss, and Watt's health will likely be a major factor in their success; they are 1-10 all-time when the former Defensive Player of the Year is injured. 

That is why it is no surprise that Watt's ankle has been a hot topic among the media this week, including his brother, JJ Watt. The older brother of TJ is now an analyst for CBS Sports and is a frequent guest on The Pat McAfee Show. The brothers might have played different positions on their respective defenses, but they are similar in so many ways. They both are considered among the best to play the game and are applauded for the passion and dedication with which they approach their careers. 

JJ was asked by Pat McAfee about the injury and how TJ is feeling. McAfee, who was a punter in the league, noted that it was especially concerning because it was his outside rush foot, the one he needs to push off with. 

"Got a low ankle sprain there; the x-ray is negative," said JJ. "It's one of those things you roll it really hard, and it's very painful, very tough to utilize because you're a pass rusher, on the edge, turning the corner, on that ankle, specifically putting an insane amount of pressure into it. When you add that with the fact that they're playing the three games in 11 days, it's very difficult, but he is walking around better and feeling better than I think you would initially think the next day. I know him, I know he's a competitior, I know he's gonna want to be out there, I know he's gonna do everything it takes to be out there, we're gonna see what happens. There is no question that the three games in 11 days are: A - nuts and B - very difficult in a situation like this."

Watt was having one of his best games of the 2024 season before getting hurt, with two sacks on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. So far, in 2024, Watt has six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 11.5 sacks, and 54 total tackles.

The Steelers have been in this position before; Watt suffered a pectoral injury in 2022 that kept him out for several weeks. Even with the best efforts of his teammates, they struggled on defense without him. While they hope to have Watt back for the Baltimore Ravens game on Saturday, having him healthy for the postseason is most critical. 

Steelers Don't Scare The Ravens

With or without TJ, the Ravens' offense isn't worried about the Steelers' defense, at least not according to wide receiver Zay Flowers. The second-year player has only played two games against the black and gold in his career. While he is having an excellent 2024 season, that hasn't been the case against Pittsburgh. He's only had seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers.

The Steelers have a top-10 defense, according to Fox Sports. While they had some hiccups against the Eagles, overall, their bend-don't-break system has seemed to work.

Do you think the Steelers will use TJ against the Ravens in Week 16? Should they? Click to comment below. 

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