Steelers Injury Update: Watt’s Status Unclear, But Help Could Be on the Way
The Pittsburgh Steelers are limping into the week, but there’s a glimmer of hope on the injury front. Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t rule anyone out just yet, and that’s a small win for a team that’s been battling attrition on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the good news: safety Derrick Harmon is expected to make his return after missing three games with a knee injury. That’s a boost for a secondary that’s been stretched thin, and Harmon’s physicality and range could be key as Pittsburgh gears up for the Lions.
But all eyes are still on T.J. Watt.
The All-Pro pass rusher missed Monday’s game after suffering a partially collapsed lung - a scary injury by any measure. Tomlin didn’t have a concrete update on Watt’s condition or timeline, and he acknowledged he’s not in the loop on some of the medical procedures involved, like dry needling. Bottom line: Watt’s status is still very much up in the air, and the Steelers are preparing for multiple scenarios.
On the offensive line, there’s cautious optimism. Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo, who left the last game with a triceps injury, hasn’t been ruled out.
Neither has rookie edge rusher Nick Herbig, who’s dealing with a hamstring issue. Both are working to get back in time for Sunday, and while nothing’s guaranteed, the door remains open.
Cornerback James Pierre is another name to watch. He’s been sidelined with a calf injury, but Tomlin hinted there’s a chance he could push to return this week. His availability would add some much-needed depth to a secondary that’s been rotating heavily.
Then there’s offensive tackle Andrus Peat, who remains in the concussion protocol. He hasn’t practiced since going down against the Ravens, and until he clears the necessary steps, his return remains uncertain.
So yes, the injury list is long - maybe longer than the Steelers would like heading into the final stretch of the season. But there’s a plan in place. Tomlin said the team will hold a “high-intensity walkthrough” on Wednesday, designed to get more players involved in practice without pushing them too hard physically.
It’s a balancing act now - getting healthy while staying sharp. With the Lions up next, and playoff implications hanging in the balance, every body back on the field matters.