The Pittsburgh Steelers' Friday injury report is out, which always provides a final glimpse into player statuses for the upcoming game. Star defender, TJ Watt, who has played three games since being activated off the IR with injuries to his knee and pectoral muscle, is questionable for this weekend. This time, Watt's ribs are the issue.
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It seems he'll likely be a game-time decision for the Week 13 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, a game the black and gold need to win to keep playoff hopes alive. He's been limited in practice throughout the week, hopefully a sign that head coach Mike Tomlin is just resting his star defender for the weekend. If Watt is unable to go, it would be a huge loss obviously.
The defense, and specifically Alex Highsmith and the pass rush, performs much better with a star like Watt on the field. With Watt in the lineup this season, the black and gold have gone 3-1 in his four starts. Without him, they've gone 1-6. Malik Reed would likely start if Watt can't play, as the former Denver Broncos edge rusher has been mostly disappointing in his first season in Pittsburgh.
Starting cornerback, Ahkello Witherspoon is slated to miss his fourth consecutive game with a hamstring injury. He last played in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, which has been his lone appearance since Week 3. It's been a difficult season for the veteran, who signed a contract extension in the off-season. Arthur Maulet will continue to get extensive playing time with Witherspoon not in the lineup.
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As reported earlier in the day on Friday, starting running back Najee Harris is ready to go for this weekend. The sophomore starter left the Week 12 contest with an oblique injury and was unable to return. Backup running back, Jaylen Warren, who missed last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, is listed as questionable with his hamstring injury. Earlier in the week, he told reporters that he would be playing against the Falcons in Week 13. While he's listed as questionable, he seems likely to play.
There were several players limited in practice early in the week, something Tomlin highlighted would be the case in his press conference on Tuesday. Those guys were all full participants on Friday, meaning they will play on Sunday against the Falcons. That includes Robert Spillane (oblique) returning to action, while Myles Jack, Mason Cole, and others will play as well.
There was no update or activation of rookie defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal on Friday, who told reporters that he was 100% ready to go. The Steelers still have a handful of days to activate him off the IR. Fellow lineman, Larry Ogunjobi, will be active again this weekend. His toe was bothering him in the early portions of the week, but he will play on Sunday.
Are you concerned about this defense if Watt is unable to go? At this point, should the Steelers just shut down Witherspoon for the rest of the season? With Harris playing, should they rest Warren for one more week? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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