The Steelers continued their preparation for Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins, and there is clarity on the status of linebacker T.J. Watt.
Coach Mike Tomlin officially ruled out Watt after he suffered a lung issue this week.
“This is the update that I have,” said Tomlin. “He had a medical procedure yesterday. He’s been released from the hospital. He’s at home resting comfortably. So that’s good news from a medical standpoint.
“But from a participation standpoint, he’ll be described as out this week for Monday night.”
Tomlin said he isn’t sure how long Watt will be out.
“I do not (know),” said Tomlin. “I hadn’t looked beyond Monday night. I’m kind of one week at a time. I know he’s not participating this week.”
On Thursday the Steelers released a statement regarding Watt, who was hospitalized on Wednesday.
“T.J Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday. He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night’s game vs. Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”
Watt’s teammates have shown nothing but concern for him.
“T.J.’s a really good friend of mine,” said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who said he talked to Watt on Friday morning. “One thing we always care about is how the man is doing, and you never want to hear anything like that ever happen.
“More concerned with just how he’s doing on a friend level and as a brother.”
Rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer echoed that.
“I texted him and checked up there,” said Sawyer. “I think he’s doing well and still possible that he plays Monday. I care about him more than a football player. You never want to see something like that happen and you know what he means to us and this organization.
“That’s one of our brothers and hopefully he gets back soon.”
Receiver Calvin Austin III was added to the injury report with a calf injury and listed as limited.
On the offensive line, offensive tackle Calvin Anderson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List early this week, while tackle Dylan Cook was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Cook was called upon against the Ravens when injuries set in at left tackle.
With left tackle Broderick Jones on the Reserve/Injured List, it was Andrus Peat who stepped in to his spot and started for the second straight week.
Peat, though, was evaluated for a concussion during the game and didn’t return. With Anderson inactive for the game due to his injury, it was Cook who would step in.
Cook was elevated for the game from the practice squad the day before and made sure the offensive line didn’t miss a beat.
“I felt it was good,” said Cook of his performance. “Definitely ready for the moment. Been prepared, so it was good to see it finally come through.”
Cook had a few minutes to warm up on the sidelines before he stepped on the field because of the injury timeout, and then it was right into the fire of a Steelers-Ravens battle.
“I definitely had a couple seconds to collect myself, take some sets, get ready to go,” said Cook.
And the first thought he had.
“Let’s play ball,” said Cook. “Nothing more to it.”
What Cook’s role will be moving forward with injuries at the position is not known yet, but whatever it is, he will be ready.
“I can definitely relax a little bit more,” said Cook after getting thrown into the fire. “Going forward, I know I can kind of take a deep breath. I have more time than I think I do when it comes to the ball being snapped, so just kind of settle in.”
Coach Mike Tomlin said it’s good to see a player like Cook get an opportunity.
“You’re excited for a guy when he gets an opportunity to play,” said Tomlin. “He’s certainly worked hard and has been professional. I loved his mindset when he went in. Happy for him.
“Oftentimes one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. He may get another opportunity this week.”
The full injury and practice report is below.
