PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt will miss his second consecutive game as he continues healing from surgery to address a partially collapsed lung suffered during a dry needling procedure last week. Watt did not participate in practice and has officially been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Watt is one of several Steelers dealing with injuries, as guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) and cornerback James Pierre (calf) have also been ruled out. The team’s pass rush depth took another blow with Nick Herbig (hamstring) downgraded to out on Saturday. To reinforce the defense, Pittsburgh signed edge rusher Jeremiah Moon from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer is expected to make his first NFL start opposite Alex Highsmith.
Despite the setbacks, the Steelers will see a defensive boost with the return of first-round rookie tackle Derrick Harmon, who missed the last three games due to a knee injury.
Watt, recovering from his Dec. 10 lung surgery, was present at the team facility this week — attending Thursday’s Pittsburgh Symphony visit and watching Friday’s practice. The team also listed long snapper Christian Kuntz as questionable after sustaining a knee issue in Thursday’s practice.
