The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and they'll still be without their best player. They'll also continue to be heavy underdogs. On Saturday the Steelers failed to activate TJ Watt from injured reserve even though he has practiced this past week. I'm here to tell you that this was the right decision.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo Credit: Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
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At first, it was believed that Watt’s return this week was seen as “highly unlikely”, but new reports came out indicating that the Steelers superstar may in fact suit up this week. Watt spoke to the media after practice recently and gave an update on how he’s feeling.
“In totality, it’s just about getting my body back. There’s a lot of aspects that go into playing in an NFL football game, and I feel like we’re trending in the right direction," Watt said.
One reporter asked if Watt was feeling “pretty fresh” at this point of the season. The linebacker has been sidelined for the Steelers ever since their overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Watt chuckled in response to the question.
“I feel good. Today was a good day, this week was a very good week for me, and I just want to continue in the right direction," Watt said.
Hearing this brought some optimism to Steelers fans, knowing the return of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is quickly approaching. But as I previously stated, his return should come later rather than sooner.
High-Risk Low Reward For Steelers
The Steelers are currently sitting with a 2-5 record at the bottom of the AFC North. Adding Watt would change the trajectory of this team, but that would only be if he’s operating at 100% efficiency. Watt himself has come out saying that he’s trending towards being at full strength, and as to his status for Sunday, he replied.
“I don’t know. I mean, we’ll have to see," Watt said.
Photo Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Due to not being able to deliver a definitive answer, that signals some concern for his ability to play and his overall effectiveness. That’s part of the reason why I feel he should and correctly will wait until after the bye week.
Another reason is because of who our opponents are and where we’re playing. When you’re playing a team like the Eagles in their house, it’s probably not the best time to take a chance on sending out your franchise player after weeks of not practicing or playing in that environment. Watt emphasized that point.
“It’s been more than a few weeks, you have all aspects of it, you have the physical aspect and obviously the mental too. It always sucks when you can’t physically put your hand in the pile and make a difference on gameday but I’m just trying to find any way I can get involved as possible without stepping on too many toes," Watt said.
If Watt would've played Sunday and he isn't 100%, the risk of injury is high with his style of play. Another injury could put Watt out for another extended period. Is the risk to Watt’s future availability for the season worth it? Some die-hard Steelers fans will say absolutely, but is it wise? Wouldn’t it be better to have Watt come back after the bye week at full strength with lesser risk to his future playing time?
Watt always wants to play stating,
“It’s always hard if your losing, you want to be in there to help out. If you’re winning you want to be in there and have fun too, so I always want to play if I can," Watt said.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) participates in 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. |Photo Credit: Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
“I mean it doesn’t matter, I am always going to do what’s best for the team and what’s asked of me, and like I said it’s not my call," Watt said.
Like Watt, I also do not have the authority on who does or does not play. All I can do is offer my opinion on the matter.
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