Pittsburgh’s defense will be missing a few key pieces Sunday night. T.J. Watt and Joe Haden will not play against the Chargers this week.
Neither practiced this week after suffering injuries during the tie game against the Lions. Watt, who missed one game earlier this year because of a groin issue, is now battling hip and knee trouble. Haden is dealing with a foot injury.
This will further deplete a Steelers team that has Ben Roethlisberger and Minkah Fitzpatrick on its reserve/COVID-19 list. Mike Tomlin has said Fitzpatrick, placed on the list after a positive COVID test Monday, is unlikely to suit up. The team remains hopeful Roethlisberger, who has experienced symptoms after testing positive last Saturday, will start despite not practicing this week. The Steelers must activate Big Ben by Saturday afternoon for him to return to action.
Going through a contract year that is expected to lead to a free agency run, Haden missed a game earlier this season. He has been a Steelers starter since 2017, with his arrival coinciding with the team making a leap on defense. Watt arrived the same year, and his presence has been the top driver for the Steelers leading the NFL in sacks four years running.
Pittsburgh still has Alex Highsmith set to start Sunday, but its trade of Melvin Ingram stripped away a key depth piece — albeit one disgruntled about his reserve role at the time — from a defense that has dealt with injuries throughout the season.
The Steelers, who have been without Stephon Tuitt all season, also ruled out starting guard Kevin Dotson, who is down with an ankle ailment.
Given the rest of their schedule, it’s hard to imagine them winning more than 2 or 3 games, let alone making the playoffs
Sadly I agree
Some might look at things and say that the defense would be so much better if they didn’t have to overcome all of these injuries. Having watched them all season, I can honestly say that while the defense would obviously be somewhat better with everyone healthy, it still wouldn’t be what it used to be. Things are no longer gelling on defense like they used to. They can’t force turnovers, they can’t sack the QB without Watt, and there are a few guys who simply aren’t pulling their weight. This is not a contending football team.
Agreed. It’s time for a reboot. QB is a logical start, but it has to be the right one. OL is up next before they begin the D, while better than the offense, is adequate when compared to others.