There’s a lot on the line for the Pittsburgh Steelers when they take on their AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, on Saturday.
If the Steelers win, they win the division.
Heading into this match on a shorter week, potential injury concerns loom over the Black and Gold.
Specifically, all eyes are on TJ Watt, who injured his ankle in Sunday’s loss to the Eaglesand George Pickens, who hasn’t played in two weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Channel 11 took a closer look at the two key players during Wednesday’s practice.
Pickens did not practice this week. He was seen doing lighter individual work early in the trials.
Watt had a limited practice Wednesday after not practicing at all Tuesday. He was seen working out on the sideline before taking part in individual drills with his teammates.
The statistics are glaring when the Steelers play without Watt. They are 1-10 in games he has missed.
The Steelers coaches aren’t worried, though. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he has faith in the men who will take Watt’s place if he can’t play in Baltimore.
“I know these guys aren’t T.J. [Watt]but we think they are good quality players that we can integrate into our system and do the things we need to do,” he said. “Obviously if you don’t have an impact player like TJ it affects your game, but I don’t think it will affect our overall schemes.”
The Steelers’ offense was limited against the Eagles last Sunday without Pickens, quarterback Russell Wilson’s top target. Wilson says the offense will have to shut down Saturday if they’re without Pickens for the third straight week.
“We have to be able to calm the nerves and the excitement early on, and be able to play and think clearly, efficiently and effectively…I think that’s really important,” Wilson said. “I also think we need to do the basic things. We have to make our layups.
There are other injuries to note as well. Deshon Elliot, Donte Jackson and Justin Fields did not practice this week. Larry Ogunjobi was limited Wednesday.
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