The Pittsburgh Steelers might get their greatest participant again for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Exterior linebacker T.J. Watt was again at observe this week and didn’t rule the opportunity of enjoying on Sunday.
The very fact it’s nonetheless open for dialogue at this level within the week must be a constructive signal. It was beforehand believed he wouldn’t return till after the crew’s bye week (which is subsequent week).
Watt, the reigning NFL defensive participant of the yr, has been sidelined since Week 1 of the 2022 season with a pectoral damage which was additionally adopted by a process to scrub up his knee. The Steelers protection has struggled at instances in his absence and has been unable to generate constant stress on the quarterback.
It isn’t a stretch to assume that with a wholesome Watt the 2-5 Steelers might need an additional win or two this season given how shut a number of of their losses have been.
Watt has been one of many NFL’s greatest gamers since coming into the league in 2017, and it’s fairly clear that he’s the engine that makes the crew run. Since his debut the Steelers are solely 1-9 in video games that Watt has missed, whereas the defensive efficiency noticeably drops. That solely win got here two weeks in the past in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
By comparability the Steelers are 52-24-2 when Watt does play, permit seven fewer factors per recreation, and report an additional 1.5 sacks per recreation.
He fully adjustments the look of the protection, and even when he’s restricted on Sunday it might no less than give them a bit bit extra of an opportunity in opposition to the 6-0 Eagles.
