Steelers provide injury update on TJ Watt, Chase Claypool
The Pittsburgh Steelers provided an update on the injury status of star linebacker T.J. Watt and wide receiver Chase Claypool, as well as other key players. Watt is currently dealing with injuries to his hip and knee that threatens to force him to miss time on the playing field. Claypool suffered a toe injury that kept him out last week, but is scheduled to return to practice this week.
TJ Watt and starter injury updates
“I’ll always leave the light on for T.J. Watt,” stated head coach Mike Tomlin while updating on Watt’s injury. “The things he does routinely aren’t things done routinely by others. We’ll see where his participation leads us this week.”
Tomlin’s comments seem to indicate that the injuries Watt is dealing with are worth being concerned over. However, given the physical abilities of Watt, Tomlin isn’t making any premature decisions and they will likely wait to see how he practices during the week.
“From a health standpoint, we’re dealing with a couple of things,” Tomlin spoke about other injuries plaguing the Steelers after Sunday. “We’re excited about Chase Claypool practicing [on Wednesday] and seeing where that work leads us in terms of him being included in this thing.
“In-game injuries [from Sunday], those probably are less clear. We’ll give Kevin Dotson an opportunity, but we don’t know where that leads in terms of his practice participation. Same for Joe Haden with his foot injury. I feel confident that Trai Turner is going to be able to show up.”
“On the COVID front, Ben [Roethlisberger] has an opportunity, provided he gets the required negative testing to be available to play. You guys know that we’ve been in circumstances with Ben in the past when he’s been less than available during the course of the week.
“Like I told the team in a team meeting, and I’ll tell you guys that we’re gonna build our plan around getting Mason [Rudolph] ready to play. We’re going to highlight his talents and skills relative to the opponent that we’re going to play. We’re going to build that plan. We’re going to work that plan. We’ve got a young offensive unit, and we’ll let that lead us throughout the week.”
With good news surrounding the potential availability of Claypool and Haden, the Steelers are not completely anticipating the return of Roethlisberger. The veteran quarterback was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions after being placed on the teams’ COVID-19 list.
While the Steelers await an answer on his next batch of COVID-19 tests, Rudolph will likely be asked to lead the team again if there are any questions about Roethlisberger’s health.