The Pittsburgh Steelers have been absolutely decimated with injuries in 2023. That trend continued on a short week as the team lost to the two-win New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. The defeat dropped the franchise to 7-6 on the season and out of the playoff race. Now, two days after the significant loss to New England, star defender TJ Watt could be out against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers dominant edge rushers, Alex Highsmith (#56) and Tj Watt (#90) work together off to the side during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Watt is joining his partner-in-crime, Alex Highsmith, in the concussion protocol. Pro Football Talk reported that the Steelers have confirmed that the former 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year has entered the league's process to be cleared to play after a head injury.
T.J. Watt was cleared to play on Thursday night after taking a forcible knee to the head. On Friday, he was placed in the concussion protocol. https://t.co/0b2S1OkoQk
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 9, 2023
This is certainly a head-scratcher given the fact that after Watt was accidentally kneed in the head by Ezekiel Elliot, he left the game, but was allowed back into the field of play. It seems as if he displayed symptoms on Friday and self-reported them, but this is the exact kind of thing that the NFL has attempted to prevent in recent seasons.
#Steelers T J Watt has been placed in Concussion protocol after reporting symptoms yesterday
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 9, 2023
He took a leg to the head while attempting a tackle on Thursday night
Watt finished the game and was beat up throughout. He was unable to secure a sack, but had five tackles and one for a loss. He is the most important player on the Steelers and him not being able to go against the Colts would be a huge sway in a must-win game for Pittsburgh. The thought of being without him and Highsmith is terrifying for the fan base.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers edge rusher, Alex Highsmith (#56) stretches on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
In a time where it could be possible for Art Rooney II to move on from Head Coach Mike Tomlin, this is the last thing that the team's leader in Tomlin needs to happen. A defense without the original two starting inside linebackers and both dominant edge rushers in Week 15 is a recipe for disaster. The pass-rushing duo has a longer week to get through the protocol, but history says there is a legitimate chance that both miss the contest against the Colts.
The Steelers are now in a must-win scenario for almost every game going forward. Watt is having another incredible season and everyone is aware that Pittsburgh wins much more when he is in the lineup compared to him being out. Steelers fans are waking up on Saturday morning not having to worry about watching a horrible offense over the weekend, but this news has to be completely unsettling.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers star edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) stretches prior to a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers May Need To Have Next Man Up Mentality Versus Colts
Nick Herbig and Markus Golden will be the two to replace the edge rushers in the starting lineup if neither is able to go. Kyron Johnson would also be in the mix as the team plays in a rare Saturday game in Indianapolis. There's no doubt that the absence of Watt and Highsmith would drastically change how the Steelers approach the contest defensively. The injury bug strikes again for Pittsburgh in 2023.
Do you think the Steelers can beat the Colts in Week 15 without Watt? Let us know in the comments below!
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