Steelers' Decision To Not Make Specific Roster Move Sends Strong Message About TJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a little bit of injury trouble at the most important time of the year. The biggest names dealing with ailments on the defensive side of the ball are star edge rushers TJ Watt and Nick Herbig. Fans across the league were shocked when the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year was admitted to the hospital after a dry needling accident. As for Herbig, the linebacker is working through a hamstring injury that could affect his participation moving forward. These challenges led to the recent signing of Jeremiah Moon, who was added directly to the active roster off of the Carolina Panthers' practice squad.

Moon seems to be just a serviceable replacement for Herbig if the rising edge rusher can't go in Week 16, but there was another opportunity presented to the Steelers that the team elected not to pursue. Veteran defender Matthew Judon was released by the Miami Dolphins and could have been claimed by any NFL team. However, there were no original takers.

While Pittsburgh could still sign Judon now that he is a free agent, not putting in a claim for him sends a little hint to fans that Watt's injury may not be as serious as it originally could have been perceived to be. If the expectation is that all of the team's top outside linebackers will be healthy and ready to go for a potential playoff run, it makes absolutely no sense to bring in Judon. He would not be in line to get any meaningful snaps.

This presents a very good outlook on Watt and his possible return. He has not practiced yet in Week 16 as the collective prepares to face off against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, but passing initially on a veteran presence that could help the room does hold some weight. Watt could certainly be back sooner rather than later.

As Watt was seen in team's facility on Thursday, it immediately started some speculation that he is nearing a return. With that outcome seeming more likely, an addition of someone like Judon wouldn't do anybody any good. Instead, Moon is a former Steeler who will work in when he is called upon in Week 16. Then, he could eventually find his way back to the practice squad.

Pittsburgh has not traditionally played well without Watt in the lineup, but that changed in Week 15 as the defensive unit dominated the Dolphins for much of the contest. All in all, if the Steelers want to win the AFC North and go into the postseason with some serious steam, having Watt back fully healthy will be crucial. The decision to not go after Judon right away signals that the medical personnel could have set a true positive prognosis for the star defender returning.

Steelers Wouldn't Be An Ideal Landing Spot For Judon

While the veteran in Judon will want to play for a contender, he also is likely hoping to get some reps on defense. Assuming he wants to make some true difference for a playoff team, Pittsburgh is not a good place for him to end up, particularly if all edge rushers are expected to be ready to go by the time January rolls around, Overall, the Steelers deciding not to put a claim in on Judon is good news for fans waiting for Watt to come back.

Do you think that the Steelers had any interest in Judon? Let us know in the comments below!

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