The defense of the Steelers took another blow Monday as the team announced defensive end T.J. Watt has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.
Watt returned to action Sunday against Cincinnati after missing last week's game with a hip and knee injury. It's been an injury-plagued 2021 season for Watt who's dealt with the aforementioned hip and knee injuries while also dealing with a groin injury at the beginning of the season and now being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List.
Despite being limited by the plethora of injuries, Watt's started nine games and has 12.5 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Watt's injury adds another name to a laundry list of banged up Steelers' defenders. Cornerback Joe Haden has missed the past two weeks with a foot injury while defensive end Stephon Tuitt has missed the entirety of the season with a knee injury. Linebacker Robert Spillane injured his knee Sunday against Cincinnati and did not return to the field in the second half.
His status for Sunday's game against Baltimore remains unclear at this point in time. He will need two negative tests following being symptom-free for 24 hours. Both Ben Roethlisberger and Minkah Fitzpatrick have found themselves on the Reserve/COVID-19 List in recent weeks and have had different outcomes in returning to the field.
Roethlisberger tested out of the protocol early, though he still missed the game against the Lions. Fitzpatrick missed last week's game against Los Angeles, but was able to return to action against the Bengals Sunday.
The time off could be beneficial to Watt and his recovery from his injuries, though the defense is sure to miss one of the few players who've stood out this year on the defensive side of the football.
