Mike Tomlin: T.J. Watt ‘Pretty Beat Up’ After Win Over Falcons

The Steelers have a banged-up team following their game after the Falcons, but no one is more banged up than star outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Coming into the game wearing a brace on his shoulder and a jacket to protect his ribs, Watt was already plenty banged up throughout the week.

That seems to not have changed, as Watt was on and off the field more than normal on Sunday. One particular sequence that showcased it was when Watt caught Cordarrelle Patterson from behind on a pitch play, but he immediately grimaced and had to exit the field for a few plays. That usually does not happen to Watt. So, when Mike Tomlin revealed that Watt is extremely banged up, there was nothing too surprising.

“I know T.J. was pretty banged up,” Tomlin said. “We’ll see where the roads lead us as we start to lean into next week.”

Watt’s injury history this season is concerning, but his presence alone has a huge impact on the Steelers’ ability to create pressure and stop the run. So, it is necessary to make sure that Watt is healthy throughout the season so the Steelers defense can continue to ascend. Pittsburgh faces the Ravens at home next Sunday.