Steelers get good and bad injury news in one fell swoop
The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a tough beginning to their season, going 2-5 and now facing changes that may make things even more difficult.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have some injury updates, both good and bad. On the plus side, linebacker T.J. Watt has returned to practice as of Wednesday, but he remains on the reserve/injured list.
On a more negative side, according to the Steelers official Twitter account, “The 21-day window to activate WR Calvin Austin III from the Reserve/Injured List has expired. He will remain on the Reserve/Injured List for the remainder of the 2022 season.”
Having Watt back will definitely be a big help in turning the Steelers performance around. He’s the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, logging 22.5 sacks just last season. According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, “Watt’s 22.5 sacks tied Michael Strahan’s record for most in NFL history since sacks began being recorded in 1982.”
He’s one of only a few in franchise history to earn the award. Other Pittsburgh players include Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Jack Lambert, Rod Woodson, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu. His impact will undoubtedly be exactly what the team needs right now.
With Austin, it’s a matter of losing potential considering he hasn’t yet made his NFL debut.
Steelers are losing potential when losing Calvin Austin III
Austin was a fourth-round draft pick for the Steelers in 2022. He was expected to be a solid contributor to Pittsburgh’s offense as one of the fastest players in the draft. According to Chris Adamski of Trib Live, he was making some good plays in training camp.
Coach Mike Tomlin spoke of Austin to Adamski and stated, “This guy hasn’t played in a stadium yet. He hasn’t played in a preseason stadium. So, it’s more about development for him, and that’s the perspective that I have.”
He lacks experience, and though he has potential, he needs to gain that crucial experience to become the player he’s capable of becoming. However, that opportunity, unfortunately, won’t come this season. It’s unclear what will happen with him in the future, but the Steelers could certainly use him this season to improve their lineup. Luckily Watt is taking steps forward.
