The Pittsburgh Steelers have been banged up for the beginning of the 2023 season. Now, reports are out that one player avoided the injured reserved list and added to his legendary status by dealing with an injury in a way that would make the Steel Curtain players proud.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, TJ Watt hears his name called during player introductions at the beginning of a home game in Pittsburgh, PA.
T.J. Watt, the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, reportedly suffered a badly dislocated finger during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 at Acrisure Stadium. According to Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network, he took care of it himself.
"Steelers star T.J. Watt suffered a badly dislocated finger and tore multiple ligaments in Sunday's win over Baltimore.... Watt popped it back in and kept playing - the injury won't keep the DPOY candidate off the field after this week's bye."
That is good news for the Steelers since Watt is a key member of the defense. At one point, Watt was seen running to the sideline during the Ravens game. It is unclear if that is when the injury occurred. Fortunately, he quickly returned.
Watt didn't miss a beat and managed to sack Baltimore's quarterback, Lamar Jackson, twice. He also had a fumble recovery for 18 yards during that key divisional matchup. On the season, Watt has been consistently disruptive, with eight sacks in five games, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He even managed to get a touchdown on one of the fumble recoveries. He currently leads the NFL in sacks with several players tied for second place with six sacks.
Steelers Injured Players Are Working Hard To Return
The news that Watt doesn't plan to miss any time is a welcome relief to Steelers fans who feel the defense, led by the All-Pro, has carried the team through their three wins this season. It is especially concerning because so many other key players have been injured. While no definitive news on a return date has been announced, reports have come out that they are working through their injuries and trying to get back.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Cam Heyward (left) and TJ Watt (right).
That includes defensive captain Cameron Heyward who suffered a groin injury that required surgery during the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Heyward has told the media he is working hard to get back, but won't nail down a timeline. During Tuesday's practice, he was seen running at practice. That is huge news for a defensive line that is missing their leader.
In addition to Heyward, James Daniels returned to practice Tuesday. He had missed two weeks after suffering his own groin injury in the Week 3 in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Daniels, a right guard, fought through the injury and stayed in the game that week.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers guard James Daniels runs through drills at the team's South Side facility.
While Heyward is out, Isaiahh Loudermilk and the rookie Keeanu Benton have been seeing more playing time. Daniels was replaced by new addition Nate Herbig during those two weeks of practices and games.
How do you think the replacement players have done filling in for Heyward and Daniels? Does Watt popping his own finger back in give you Jack Lambert vibes? Click to comment below.
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