The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 17-10, on January 6 to improve to 10-7 and keep their playoff hopes alive. After the game, the Steelers also received a positive update on injured linebacker T.J. Watt.

Both NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Watt suffered a MCL sprain in Week 18.

Rapoport called the injury a “Grade 3” sprain on X (formerly Twitter). It’s a serious enough injury that the veteran linebacker may not be able to play on Wild Card weekend if the Steelers earn a playoff spot.

But based on the replay of the injury and Watt’s reaction to the play, it was a positive that he avoided a more serious knee injury.

“Based on initial tests, Steelers potential DPOY TJ Watt is believed to have suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain, sources said,” Rapoport tweeted. “He’ll have further tests, but that’s a multi-week injury.

“Better than an ACL tear. But not good if PIT makes the playoffs.”

Watt sustained the injury when Steelers defensive tackle Montravius Adams ran into the linebacker’s planted left leg. Upon contact, Watt’s left knee bent in the wrong direction.

“Steelers OLB TJ Watt suffered a knee injury and will NOT return to tonight’s game,” The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov wrote as a caption to a replay of the injury on X.

Schefter reported that Watt wanted to return to the game. But the Steelers ruled him out during the second half.

“Steelers believe Defensive-Player-of-the-Year candidate T.J. Watt suffered a sprained MCL vs. the Ravens pending further testing, per source,” Schefter tweeted. “Watt wanted to go back into the game with the injury, but the Steelers wouldn’t allow it.”

Steelers believe Defensive-Player-of-the-Year candidate T.J. Watt suffered a sprained MCL vs. the Ravens pending further testing, per source. Watt wanted to go back into the game with the injury, but the Steelers wouldn’t allow it. pic.twitter.com/twXXW9h1Tg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2024

Watt exited with his knee injury with about four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Could Steelers’ T.J. Watt Miss the Postseason?
With Watt pounding a fist on the ground immediately after getting hit in the knee, the linebacker’s injury looked serious. Although ESPN cameras showed him walking along the sidelines, it also didn’t take the Steelers long to rule him out for the game.

He avoided the dreaded ACL tear, but the question now becomes, if the Steelers are playing next week, whether Watt will be available.

Given that the 3-time All-Pro wanted to play even after the injury on January 6, he is likely to do everything in his power to dress for the postseason.

The ESPN broadcast crew for the Steelers-Ravens matchup in Week 18 discussed how Watt has never won an NFL playoff game. That fact should only motivate the linebacker more to return for Wild Card weekend.

Whether he is physically able to, though, is another question. Even in the playoffs, the Steelers aren’t likely to allow Watt to play if he could suffer further injury.

Steelers’ Edge Rushing Depth Without Watt
There’s good news for the Steelers other than Watt avoiding a very serious knee injury. Unlike inside linebacker and safety, the Steelers have depth at edge rusher.

Without their top pass rusher, the Steelers turned to veteran Markus Golden and rookie Nick Herbig for a lot of snaps in the fourth quarter. Golden posted 2 quarterback hits along with 1 sack and recovered a fumble.

Before leaving, Watt had already recorded 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and 8 total tackles. He leads the NFL with 19 sacks. He also finished the regular season with 19 tackles for loss and tied a career-high with 68 combined tackles.

With those statistics, Watt could very well become the first Steelers player since Joe Greene to win a second Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Whether he wins that award or not, Watt not playing in the playoffs, should the Steelers earn a postseason berth, is a major loss. But at least the Steelers have some depth that can make up for his absence.