The Pittsburgh Steelers were without All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins. But head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t going to go even a game without him feeling part of the team.
After defeating the Dolphins 28-15 on Monday Night Football, Tomlin told reporters that he texted Watt just prior to kickoff.
“We’ll be excited to get T.J. back. I texted with him pregame just to let him know he was missed,” Tomlin told the media. “I’m sure he’s getting back around his teammates sooner rather than later.”
Watt missed Week 15 after needing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung. The edge rusher suffered the injury after receiving dry needling treatment at the Steelers team facility.
It was the first game Watt sat out this season.
The edge rusher could be back in Week 16 when the Steelers visit the Detroit Lions on December 21. That game will be 10 days after Watt’s procedure.
Without Watt against the Dolphins, the Steelers registered four sacks against Tua Tagovailoa. Edge rushers Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer combined for six total tackles.
Highsmith also had a pass defense, and Herbig recorded a quarterback hit.
Mike Tomlin Confident in Steelers Edge Rushers Without Watt
There probably isn’t a better way for Tomlin to show Watt public appreciation than to tell his story about the Week 15 pregame text. But despite his desire for Watt to return, Tomlin stated he has a lot of confidence in the team’s edge rushing depth.
“We’ve not surprised when they play well,” Tomlin said. “We view Herbig as starter like, certainly. We’re excited about the bright side and the future of Jack Sawyer.
“And so, not surprised they are able to step in and hold the standard.”
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