T.J. Watt Battling Thumb and Ankle Injuries, Impacting Steelers’ Pass Rush

Pittsburgh Steelers‘ star linebacker T.J. Watt is not just battling through a sprained ankle but is also dealing with a thumb injury, as revealed by his brother and former NFL great J.J. Watt during a Netflix broadcast. According to J.J., the thumb issue has been more bothersome for T.J. than the ankle injury sustained two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The dual injuries have visibly impacted Watt’s performance. Over the last two games, the typically dominant pass rusher has been held without a sack and has struggled to make his usual disruptive impact. The thumb injury has reportedly affected Watt’s ability to utilize his hands effectively in pass-rushing situations, while the ankle injury has hampered his speed off the edge.

The Steelers’ defense has felt the effects of their star’s diminished play. Opponents have neutralized Pittsburgh’s pass rush with quick passing schemes, exploiting injuries to key players like Watt. This has hindered the Steelers’ ability to apply consistent pressure, a hallmark of their defense when fully healthy.

For the Steelers to make a deep postseason run, Watt’s health will be crucial. The team’s ability to generate pressure and create turnovers often hinges on his dominance. Fortunately, the Steelers have a 10-day window before their next game, giving Watt a chance to recover and regain his form.

If Watt can return to full strength, Pittsburgh’s defense will once again have the teeth to disrupt opposing offenses. Until then, the Steelers face an uphill battle to maintain their playoff position while waiting for their All-Pro defender to heal.