Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt injures knee, leaving his status uncertain if Steelers reach playoffs
1 of 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
2 of 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt walks with medical staff to the lockers during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
3 of 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts near teammate linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
4 of 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt celebrates after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the regular season Saturday in wait-and-see mode.
After defeating the depleted Ravens 17-10, the Steelers were uncertain if they would qualify for the postseason — and unsure if injured pass-rusher T.J. Watt would be available if they did.
Pittsburgh’s victory on a soggy field left the Steelers (10-7) in position to reach the playoffs after missing out in 2022. If Buffalo or Jacksonville lose on Sunday, Pittsburgh is in.
But will the Steelers have Watt if they get that far?
Watt had two sacks to raise his season total to an NFL-leading 19 before he went down in the third quarter with a knee injury after his leg collided with the leg of teammate Montravius Adams. Watt immediately started pounding the turf in apparent pain or frustration.
He did not need to be carted off, however, and went over to the sideline tent. After a brief examination, Watt walked to the tunnel
Afterward, coach Mike Tomlin held out hope that Watt would be OK.
“I’ll have more information probably next time we get together,” Tomlin said. “Obviously disappointed in that, but there are challenges in the game of football, there are challenges in life. So we’ll deal with it, whatever it may be