Update on Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt after TNF injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers have seemingly avoided a major injury with star linebacker TJ Watt. Watt left Thursday night’s loss to the Vikings with a groin injury. He was originally questionable to return but was quickly downgraded to out.

Watt has been dealing with a groin injury for many weeks now. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Watt’s injury is just a “tweak,” and he has a real chance to play next Sunday for the Steelers.

“It’s always alarming when you see TJ Watt, one of the best players in the NFL regardless of positions, standing on the sidelines in street clothes as the game is ending,” Rapoport said. “Of course he was originally ruled as questionable with a groin (injury) and then he was ruled out. None of that is good. From what I understand this morning, though, the news is better for TJ Watt, a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

“I’m told it is believed that he suffered just a tweak to his groin. The same groin has been ailing him all season, he’s been battling it and kind of in and out of the lineup a little bit for the same reason. But this is not, I am told, a major injury. Potentially some other tests could be coming. They do have the long week, they don’t play again until Dec. 19 against the Titans. So there’s a real chance that Watt will be able to go in that game.”

Watt signed a four-year extension with the Steelers in the offseason that is worth more than $112 million with $80 million guaranteed. In 11 games this season, the former Wisconsin Badgers star has 48 tackles with an impressive 16 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, four passes defended, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Watt wasn’t the only Steelers defender to suffer an injury on Thursday

In addition to Watt, the Steelers also lost linebacker Alex Highsmith on Thursday night. Highsmith left with a knee injury, but he too has seemingly avoided any sort of major injury. With a long week to prepare for next week’s game, Highsmith and Watt have a chance to not miss any time at all.

The Steelers have one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL, and that has been very apparent over recent weeks. Pittsburgh is allowing 139.5 rushing yards per game, which is only better than the Houston Texans (144.2) and Los Angeles Chargers (141.2).

Dalvin Cook ran for over 200 yards and two touchdowns on Thursday night. Two weeks ago, Bengals running back Joe Mixon had a monster day on the ground with 165 yards and two touchdowns. In a tie with the Lions, the Steelers allowed D’Andre Swift to run for 130 yards.

The Steelers are now 6-6-1 on the season, sitting in third place in the AFC North. Pittsburgh’s final four games of the season includes two AFC North matchups to end the year.