The Steelers’ players are all excited to still be playing football, after making the playoffs over the weekend with a win over Baltimore and Jacksonville’s loss at Tennessee. Now comes the hard part…preparing for the high-powered Buffalo Bills without TJ Watt in the lineup.
Watt’s status is expected to be clarified today when coach Mike Tomlin holds his media conference. He reportedly has a Grade Two sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and will miss several weeks.
The Steelers will welcome safety Damontae Kazee back after he served a suspension for the final three games of the season for repeated dangerous hits on opposing receivers. Tomlin may also have an update today on Minkah Fitzpatrick, who missed the final three games after injuring his knee.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith is grateful the Steelers have veteran Markus Golden to step in for Watt.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is excited about the challenge of taking on Stephon Diggs, Buffalo’s Pro Bowl receiver. He is also aware of the passing and running ability of the Bills’ quarterback, Josh Allen.
Linebacker Nick Herbig will also be counted on to help fill in for Watt. He says it’s a dream come true to make the playoffs in his rookie season.
The Steelers will need to make a roster move to add Kazee back to the lineup, and then they will have to decide whether or not to suit him up. Patrick Peterson and Eric Rowe have played well in the absence of Fitzpatrick and Kazee and coach Tomlin might want to keep their good vibe going at safety.
Comments