Steelers could be without star outside linebackers.
Watt and Highsmith are two of the most talented outside linebackers in the NFL, and the Steelers could be without them against the Colts.
T.J. WATT (INJURY) AND HIGHsmith (CONCUSSION)
Pittsburgh (2-2) will be without star edge rusher T. J. Watt (INJURIES) and defensive end Alex Highsmith (CONCUSION) as it prepares for a key Week 3 matchup with Indianapolis (2-2).
Both Watt and Highsmith have been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol following last Thursday’s loss to the New England Patriots (1-2).
Watt was knocked out of the game after taking a knee from New England’s running back, Ezekiel Elliott, in the first quarter. The five-time Pro Bowl selection limped to the sideline and was briefly examined by the team’s medical staff before returning for the remainder of the drive. He was cleared and played the remainder of the game wearing a tinted helmet.
Watt self-reported concussions-like symptoms on Friday and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
I thought he was (checked), but again, I’m in charge of the game, so I’ll let the medical experts tell me if he’s out, if he’s subject to return, or if he’s back.
The loss of one of the best edge-rushers in the NFL could open up huge roles for rookies Nick Herbig and Markus Golden. Herbig had seven tackles against New England while Golden was a healthy scratch.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) have dropped back-to-back home games to teams that had two wins over them coming into Acrisure Stadium. After what coach Mike Tomlin called “a subpar performance” against Arizona, Pittsburgh fell behind by 18 in the first half of the second half against the struggling New England Patriots and never recovered.
Despite the setbacks, Pittsburgh is still in the playoff mix with four games remaining, including two against the Colts and two against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“We’re playing a big game against Indianapolis, and it’s a big game for both our teams,” said Tomlin. “There’s been a lot of negativity out there, and our ability to handle that and stay focused in practice and on the field will determine our standing.”
The Steelers will start Mitch Trubisky for the second time in as many weeks, with Kenny Pickett out for the season with a right ankle injury. In his last start against New England, Trubisky was 22-of-35 for 190 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. The pick led to a Patriots score, and he also failed to connect on a fourth-down pass deep down near the goal line to Diontea Johnson with under two minutes remaining. Tomlin said it’s understandable that Trubisky would take a step forward now that he has a full week of preparation instead of the three days it took to prepare against the Patriots.
There’s no plan to turn to Mason Rudolph, who has been the team’s backup since 2018, when the Steelers signed him in free agency. Pickett was a first-round draft pick in the spring.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he understands the anger of fans and players after the team missed a chance to build a cushion as it tries to get back into the playoffs after going 9-8 last season.
“Our goal is to win, and we haven’t done that in the last two weeks, and we know that, and we’re working with that, and that’s what we’re working with right now.
