The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a pivotal Week 17 matchup without one of their biggest defensive weapons. T.J.
Watt, the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s pass rush, has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s road game against the Cleveland Browns. Watt has missed the past two games after suffering a collapsed lung that required hospitalization, and while there was some hope he might return, he still hasn’t been cleared for action.
That’s a major blow for a Steelers team trying to lock up the AFC North. Watt’s absence forces Pittsburgh to lean even more on its depth at edge rusher, but the good news is that rookie Nick Herbig is off the injury report and ready to go. Herbig has shown flashes this season and will likely see an uptick in snaps opposite Alex Highsmith.
Watt isn’t the only Steeler sitting this one out. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring), cornerbacks James Pierre (calf) and Brandin Echols (groin) have also been ruled out. Guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) and safety Jalen Ramsey (illness) are listed as questionable, and their status will be worth monitoring as kickoff approaches.
Despite the injury setbacks, the Steelers have a golden opportunity in front of them. They can clinch the AFC North this weekend with a win over Cleveland or a loss by the Baltimore Ravens, who are facing the Green Bay Packers. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is doubtful with a back injury, which only increases the odds that Pittsburgh could wrap up the division before they even take the field.
This would be a major milestone for a franchise that, despite consistent regular-season success, hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. That victory came in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs-months before Watt was even drafted.
Since then, the Steelers have made the postseason multiple times, but each trip has ended in a quick exit. They went one-and-done in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, and none of those losses were particularly close.
Watt’s individual brilliance has never been in question. He’s built a Hall of Fame résumé with relentless pressure, game-changing plays, and a motor that never stops.
But incredibly, he’s yet to experience the thrill of a playoff win. That’s the kind of stat that doesn’t sit well with anyone in Pittsburgh.
Now, with a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers under center and a defense that’s been among the league’s best when healthy, this might be the most complete team Watt has been a part of. The road to a postseason breakthrough won’t be easy, especially without Watt in the lineup this week, but the Steelers are knocking on the door of a division title-and possibly more.
Sunday’s game in Cleveland just got a lot more interesting.