The Pittsburgh Steelers are chasing their third straight win in Week 16, but they'll have to do it without their defensive cornerstone. T.J. Watt, the heart of Pittsburgh’s pass rush and one of the most disruptive forces in the league, has officially been ruled out as he recovers from a lung injury.
Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung ahead of the Steelers’ Week 15 matchup and underwent emergency surgery. He missed that game and now will sit out again this week as the team takes a cautious approach with their franchise player.
Given the nature of the injury and Watt’s importance to this team-not just this season, but long-term-it’s no surprise Pittsburgh isn’t rushing him back. He hasn’t returned to practice yet, and until he does, the Steelers are holding the line.
Make no mistake: when Watt returns, it’s a game-changer. Through 13 games this season, he’s already racked up 53 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and 17 sacks.
Those are eye-popping numbers that underscore just how dominant he’s been. A seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, Watt isn’t just a great player-he’s the engine that drives this Steelers defense.
But for now, the focus is on his recovery. The Steelers sit at 8-6 and currently lead the AFC North, but the margin for error is razor-thin with three games to go.
And this week’s opponent, the Detroit Lions, are no pushover. They’re 8-6 as well and fighting tooth and nail for their own playoff spot.
Without Watt on the field, Pittsburgh’s defense loses its most feared weapon, and that changes the dynamic against a Lions offense that can move the ball.
The hope in Pittsburgh is clear: extend the season, and there’s a real shot Watt returns in time for the stretch run. Whether that’s Week 17, 18, or even the playoffs, the Steelers know what kind of lift Watt can bring. But for Week 16, they’ll have to find a way without him.