Ryan Clark believes that the Steelers will begin to put the pieces together against Bengals and win Sunday. (0:59).
PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers' outside linebacker T.J. Watt was downgraded to out for Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced on Saturday.
Watt suffered a groin injury in Week 2, a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn't return for the second half.
Watt described the injury's origins Friday by saying, "I think it wasn't a major tweak." "Just trying my best to be intelligent at the end. It's a long season.
Watt, who had three sacks and 2 forced fumbles in the season's first season, was only able to participate in practice this week. He was also listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
Watt stated, "This isn’t about playing pee-wee football." Watt said, "This is playing against men doing this for a living. So trying to be smart. However, it is important to know your body better than anyone. This week, I felt like I had done enough to be ready for Sunday.
However, the Steelers closed that door Saturday.
Watt (groin) and Alex Highsmith (outside linebacker) are out. Melvin Ingram, a former undrafted-free agent Jamir Jones will take over the elevated positions. Jones, a Notre Dame graduate who signed in April 2020 with the Houston Texans, impressed during training camp and played 15 defensive snaps last week.
Watt stated that Jamir has been a spark since he arrived. Watt said, "I think you can see throughout the preseason that he's been capable of providing a change in pace for us as outside linebackers. He plays the run really well, and his pass rush development is also happening." We continue to see his progress. "I'm eager to see what he brings to the table."
