Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt will return to the lineup this weekend against the New Orleans Saints. While we await the official announcement for him to be activated off the IR, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told reporters on Thursday that Watt will play. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year hasn't played since the team's Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO, Twitter)
While Watt will return to action, don't expect him to be out there for every snap. Austin gave specifics as to what we can expect out of the team's star edge rusher this upcoming weekend, via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic:
Steelers DC Teryl Austin on T.J. Watt's workload when he returns: "I don't think it'll be a full 60-play game for him. I don't think that's realistic to think for a guy coming back after seven weeks, eight weeks. But we'll get what what we can out of him."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) November 10, 2022
That should be as expected, as he's missed two full months of football. If you remember, he originally got hurt from a pectoral muscle injury in Week 1. That's not what has kept him out the past few weeks though, as he had knee surgery amidst his absence. The knee injury particularly makes it hard for someone to stay in shape for a full NFL game. Even if the defense only gets Watt for a limited snap count, he'll provide a much-needed boost to the team's pass rush.
As for some not so optimistic news, cornerback William Jackson III popped up on the injury report this week with a back issue. If you've paid attention, that was no surprise. He hasn't played since Week 5 when he was with the Washington Commanders, in part due to a back injury. His trade request played a role in him not seeing the field as well, but he's clearing still dealing with the injury.
Austin gave an update on Jackson, a concerning one nonetheless via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko. He told reporters that he really doesn't know what to think of Jackson's role this weekend, which would be his first game in a Steelers uniform. That is, if he's even active, as he didn't practice on Wednesday. Austin detailed the team's new cornerback as being "hobbled" with his back issue. Between his injury and still being new to the playbook, don't expect much of anything from Jackson this weekend.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO, Twitter)
That's not the news you want to hear, even if the Steelers only gave up a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick, while receiving a seventh-rounder as well. The cornerback room has been inconsistent on the field all season, while also dealing with several injuries in the process. Levi Wallace (shoulder) returned to practice on Wednesday, so he's expected to play this Sunday. Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) continues to not practice, so he's a bit at risk as well.
How concerned are you about this injury that Jackson is dealing with? What do you expect from Watt in limited action this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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