Steelers Get Major Boost with T.J. Watt News

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers will have T.J. Watt for their game against the Rams after he said he will play on Friday following practice. Watt called both his finger and heel injuries minor, and stated that he will play against the Rams after practicing on Friday. He did practiced with the heel injury on Thursday, raising concerns that Watt could be a key member missing for the Steelers against the Rams.

“Yeah, nothing major, it’s minor,” Watt said of the injuries. “I’ll be out there.”

Watt’s not expected to be limited at all by the injuries. So, he should be a full go against the Rams. Pittsburgh has a clear advantage against the Rams with their pass rushers. Watt’s inclusion was key.

As for his finger injury, Watt said he took off his glove and saw his pinky finger looking like a ‘hamburger patty’, only realizing then the extent of the injury.

With the finger injury, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was asked about the ailment on Thursday. Specifically, he was asked if there was any worry for the future of Watt’s injury and if his game would have limitations. His answer was terse and revealing.

“No and no,” Austin said.

That injury happened in the first quarter when Watt came off the field following a play. However, he went on to get two sacks, including the game-clinching sack. As always, Watt racked up five pressures on the day with that injury and became a positive bonus in the run game.

So, it seems that Watt just has a few bumps and bruises that the Steelers are managing. He and Alex Highsmith have become the primary reasons the Steelers are 3-2 and in the thick of the AFC North division race. They face a tough test in the Sean McVay led offense with Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua being the engines on the personnel side of things. Running back Kyron Williams is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.