The Steelers' 16-16 tie against the Lions on Sunday at Heinz Field didn't just cost them an opportunity to pull into first place in the AFC North. It also cost them star outside linebacker T.J. Watt -- for what's feared to be next week, as well.
Watt suffered knee and hip injuries while recording a sack of Detroit quarterback Jared Goff late in the third quarter of the game. He did not return, but remained on the sideline. According to Mike Tomlin is undergoing additional evaluation, which will take place Monday morning.
Watt appeared to bang his knee on that of teammate Joe Schobert on the play and immediately reached for his leg.
The sack was the first of four for the Steelers (5-3-1) and it gave Watt 12-1/2 for the season. The edge rusher finished the day with five tackles, including two for loss, and two quarterback hits.
Watt was replaced for the remainder of the game by the duo of Taco Charlton and Derek Tuszka.
The Steelers already were playing the game without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday, forcing backup Mason Rudolph into an emergency start. Wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) had already been declared out for the game, while cornerback Joe Haden suffered what Tomlin said was a mid-foot sprain in the first half.
Both starting guards, Kevin Dotson and Trai Turner, also left in the second half with ankle sprains and did not return.
The Steelers travel to Los Angeles next Sunday to play the Chargers.
"It happens," Cam Heyward said of playing without Roethlisberger. "I told the guys before the game, I wish Ben would get healthy, but Ben's not the only guy that makes this team. This is a team game. We had full confidence in Mason and we still do."
Heyward said Watt was in good spirits in the locker room following the tie.
Tomlin always preaches a "next-man-up" mentality. But at some point, the injuries do become a factor, especially when you're already playing without your starting quarterback and then lose a player the level of Watt, who has finished in the final three in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting the previous two seasons.
"We have a 53-man roster," Heyward said. "We go into camp and everybody gets a chance to practice. If you're not ready for those moments, shame on you. I have full confidence in everybody in that locker room. It's just about being ready in those moments."
