Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled out outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung), cornerback Brandin Echols (groin), cornerback James Pierre (calf) and wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Watt has been sidelined since suffering a partially collapsed lung on Dec. 10. Watt’s injury reportedly followed him undergoing a dry needling procedure at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after a workout on a players’ off day. He was quickly hospitalized and had a procedure to correct the injury.
Watt missed each of the Steelers’ last two games, but returned to practice this week. He was a limited participant in all three practices.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Watt is largely recovered from the procedure, and now his readiness will be about his ability to get back into game shape after the lung injury.
“I think that’s a fair estimation, but again, I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical,” Tomlin said. “I think for me, to talk about injury is one thing, to talk about medical is something else. So that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been a little bit hesitant besides my lack of expertise on the subject matter. … I’m sure he’s been in the building, but I’ll gain further information about his potential participation at the early portions of the week and where that might lead.”
Austin and Echols were both injured against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and neither returned to action after their injuries Austin and Echols both did not practice this week.
Roman Wilson is the most likely replacement for Austin if he’s unable to play, though Scotty Miller could also be in line for a larger role. In the secondary, the Steelers moved Jalen Ramsey from safety to the slot to replace Echols, with Chuck Clark filling in on the back end. Ramsy, who’s dealing with an illness, is questionable for Sunday.
Pierre will miss his third straight game with a calf injury he suffered against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Pierre was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before taking a step back and not practicing on Friday.
Asante Samuel Jr. has replaced Pierre at outside cornerback since his injury. Daryl Porter Jr., who made his NFL debut last Sunday, could be the next man up at slot cornerback. The other option would be recently signed cornerback Tre Flowers.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Four Steelers Ruled Out vs. Browns
