Pittsburgh Steelers Edge Rusher T.J. Watt Suffers Knee Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 on Saturday afternoon to keep their playoff hopes alive, but it may have come at a devastating cost. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers believe six-time Pro Bowl edge rusher T.J. Watt suffered an MCL sprain.

Steelers believe Defensive-Player-of-the-Year candidate T.J. Watt suffered a sprained MCL vs. the Ravens pending further testing, per source. Watt wanted to go back into the game with the injury, but the Steelers wouldn’t allow it. pic.twitter.com/twXXW9h1Tg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2024

Watt collided with a fellow Steeler after leaping into the air. His knee hyperextended, and he appeared in significant pain on the field. He was able to walk to the sideline and to the locker room under his own power, but he did not return to the game. He logged 2.0 sacks and eight total tackles before his exit.

Watt is perhaps the NFL's preeminent pass rusher, and his absence could very well sink the Steelers' postseason hopes. His 19.0 sacks this season are more than double any other player on the team and could be enough to lead the league for the third time in four years depending on the results of tomorrow's games. The Steelers were 1-6 over the seven games he missed and 8-2 with him on the field in 2022.

Watt's presence may not be necessary anyway. Despite tonight's win and their 10-7 record, the Steelers will need significant help just to earn a Wildcard spot. Without either a loss or tie by the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Tennessee Titans, a loss by the Buffalo Bills against the Miami Dolphins, or a tie between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers will be on the outside of the playoffs looking in. In any case, it's very possible we've seen the last of Watt until the 2024 regular season.