The Pittsburgh Steelers had a much-needed bye in Week 9. Dealing with several injuries, it allowed the team to recover and rest. It was also needed due to the fact the team has lost six of their past seven games. As usual, head coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly press conference on Tuesday. With that, he provided an update on the team's injuries ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
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Starting linebacker Myles Jack, dealing with a knee issue, will be monitored throughout the week. Long snapper Christian Kuntz has a rib injury, which Tomlin didn't seem too concerned with as far as his availability for Sunday's game. He will be limited in the early portions of the week, but seems likely to play. The same can be said for William Jackson III, who was acquired at the trade deadline. He's dealing with an ongoing back injury, something that plagued him with the Washington Commanders.
Ahkello Witherspoon continues to deal with a hamstring injury, as his practice availability will be telling in his prospects of playing this weekend. The cornerback room continues to be banged up all around, as Tomlin said he will monitor Levi Wallace's return from his shoulder injury. Chris Boswell (groin) and Larry Ogunjobi (knee) will be monitored in their returns as well.
As far as the two guys on IR, Damontae Kazee and TJ Watt, Tomlin didn't officially say they'll be back. They will continue to monitor the two and while Tomlin said he's optimistic about their returns, they're not officially activating them. Kazee, in particular, must be activated by Thursday, when his 21-day window ends. If he's not, then he won't be able to return this season. On Monday, he told reporters that he expects to play this weekend.
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There were rumors that Watt was going to return in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, the team opted to sit him out with the bye week coming after as well. Now, his return seems imminent, as he hasn't played since Week 1. The pass rush has lacked immensely without Watt, as Alex Highsmith has been the only one to consistently get to the quarterback.
Are you concerned with any of these injuries? What are your thoughts and expectations on the potential returns of Watt and Kazee? How do you think the team will perform against the Saints in Week 10 this Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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