PITTSBURGH – Less than a week after testing positive for COVID-19, Steelsmith edge pusher TJ Watt activated from the / COVID-19 reserve list before Sunday’s game against Baltimore Raven.
Watt tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and exited protocols with a second negative test on Saturday morning.
Watt’s return is crucial for a reeling defense that won’t have a defender Joe Haden (Foot). Defensive formation Isaiah Buggs (ankle) and inner lining Robert Spillane (COVID-19) is also eliminated, while the lines of defense Cam Heyward and Isaiahh Loudermilk missed the sixth episode due to illness. Neither were assigned injuries in the final practice report, but the Steelers are monitoring each one throughout the weekend.
Watt had 12.5 bags during the season, second only in the NFL Cleveland Browns‘ Myles Garrett (14,0).
Because he’s isolated due to tournament protocol, Watt couldn’t train with the Steelers for the week, but he’s been in for the most part, and defensive coordinator Keith Butler said he’s prepared as if they were. there will be Watt against Raven.
“I hope we have him, but we have to plan that we don’t have him,” Butler said on Thursday. “We always have to do that. If we get him, it’s a boon for us.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh also told reporters he is planning to have the Steelers have Watt available.
Time allowed Watt a chance to rest his knee and hip injuries suffered during a match against Detroit Lion on November 14th, Watt missed the previous loss Los Angeles charger with injuries but come back next week against Cincinnati Bengals.
Midfielder Ben Roethlisberger missed a game after he tested positive for COVID-19, returned seven days into protocol. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ray-Ray McCloud also missed time on the reserve/COVID-19 roster, and the Steelers still have two players left – Spillane and the attacking midfielder Joe Haeg – in protocol.
