Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, there is further clarification regarding outside linebacker TJ Watt’s injury.

After the game, head coach Mike Tomlin explained that Watt had a lower ankle injury, not an upper ankle injury, adding that he would have more to say on the matter as his press conference approaches on Tuesday.

Watt suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter while charging at the edge against Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson. He was examined by trainers on the Steelers sideline before going to the medical tent for further evaluation.

Watt did not return after his injury. He finished with two of Pittsburgh’s three sacks on the day, tying his single-game all-time high and increasing his season total to 11.5.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room, Watt said that X-rays were negative and that he twisted his ankle on the play in which the injury occurred.

The 30-year-old added that he would have to wait and see if he could try out for a key AFC North game against the Baltimore Ravens next week.

Watt has played in all 14 of the Steelers’ games this year and is once again in the running for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which he won for his performances during the 2021 season.

It goes without saying that the six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro is an integral part of the team’s success. A permanent loss would therefore have a significant impact on the pass rush and defense as a whole.

Pittsburgh’s edge rushers have been plagued by injuries this season, with both Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig enduring extended absences, and the hope is that Watt can avoid a similar fate.

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