NFL writer believes Steelers can continue playoff run without T.J. Watt

Even though Steelers linebacker TJ Watt will miss time with a torn left pectoral, Bleacher Report’s NFL columnist Kristopher Knox thinks the Steelers can overcome his absence and make a playoff run.

“Even if we assume the worst, it doesn't mean Pittsburgh cannot still make the playoffs,” Knox writes. “In many ways, this is a better team than the one that made the postseason in 2021.”

Knox pointed out the Steelers possess defensive talent across the board. 

Their defense intercepted Joe Burrow four times and sacked him seven times in a victory on Sunday. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick shined, he returned an interception for a touchdown and blocked a game-winning extra point. Promising linebacker Alex Highsmith led the team in sacks, notching three of them. 

The Steelers also have a 12-year veteran in defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, he’s made five Pro Bowls in his career. He also explained the Steelers' mentality in an upset over the defending AFC champions. 

“We don’t die,” Heyward said in a post-game news conference. “We’ve been damn zombies the entire game, they kept trying to kill us, we just kept bouncing back.”

The Steelers will need to keep coming back if Watt is placed on injured reserve, he will have to miss at least four games if this happens. 

Mike Tomlin didn’t clarify if and when Watt will return.

“We'll see how his body responds. We'll get second and third opinions. And at the end of the week, or at some point, we'll do what's appropriate,” Tomlin said in a Tuesday news conference.