T.J. Watt injury update: Steelers pass rusher ruled out for Week 17

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in pole position to clinch the AFC North after last weekend’s statement victory over the Detroit Lions. They need just one more win to secure a playoff spot but will be without a key player for the Week 17 clash.

Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt has been ruled out of the game after suffering a partially collapsed lung earlier this month. Watt returned to practice this week but will not be ready to return to the field for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Watt’s lung issue was sustained during a dry needling treatment, forcing him to undergo surgery to address the problem. He was placed on the team’s injured list for two weeks, before returning as a limited participant this week.

Pittsburgh will hope that they can book their playoff place on Sunday, against a Browns team that has nothing left to play for and a bleak 3-12 record. A win will see them through, and ease the pressure on Watt’s return.

However should the Steelers suffer a shock defeat, coach Mike Tomlin will be desperate to get Watt back in the team for the Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Everyone in Pittsburgh is fully aware of how crucial Watt is to the team’s defensive structure.

“It’s awesome to have him out there,” fellow pass rusher Alex Highsmith told ESPN. “Just seeing him back out in the field with us, he’s getting better every single day, so I think just to have him back out there, just as a leader for our group, it’s just awesome to see. Excited to see how he continues to work his way back.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.