T.J. Watt’s Injury Changes Dynamic of Dolphins-Steelers Game

T.J. Watt’s Injury Changes Dynamic of Dolphins-Steelers Game

Some recent developments regarding one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ best players could have major implications for the Miami Dolphins in Monday’s game between the two teams.

Star linebacker T.J. Watt, a terror of opposing backfields with seven sacks through 13 games this season, was rushed to a local hospital on Wednesday after he allegedly experienced lung discomfort during treatment at the team’s practice facility. The four-time All-Pro, who has anchored a Pittsburgh pass rush that’s been one of the strongest in the league, proceeded to sit out Thursday’s practice entirely. As a result, his status for the Monday Night Football clash is uncertain.

His absence could leave the Steelers’ defensive unit woefully unprepared for facing off against a Dolphins run game that has torn up the league during their current winning streak. Miami is averaging a league-best 192.0 rushing yards per game across its last four games and seems primed to get its best player at the position back for Monday as well. Running back De’Von Achane suffered an injury to his ribs recently versus the New York Jets, but he told head coach Mike McDaniel he could have returned to play in that game.

With the lung issues Watt is currently dealing with, Achane seems primed for a huge game on Monday, assuming he’s feeling up to playing and Watt isn’t. He has been on a heater over the last month or so, as he’s totaled triple digits in rushing yards in three of his last four games. Achane likely would be riding a four-game streak of compiling at least 100 rushing yards if not for his injury against New York, as he had 92 yards to his name in the first half before he got hurt and exited the game.

Another big game from Achane on the ground would go a long way towards the Dolphins extending their winning streak to five games on Monday.