There was some hope that the Pittsburgh Steelers would activate outside linebacker T.J. Watt for this week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Watt has missed the last six games with a partially torn pectoral.
But according to ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter, Watt was not activated to the 53-man roster so he will not be eligible to play on Sunday.
This means Malik Reed will get his seventh start of the season in his place.
The Steelers defense has struggled without Watt in the lineup. Pittsburgh’s pass rush is predicated on Watt’s ability to win consistently and without Watt out there, no other defenders have stepped up.
Steelers OLB T.J. Watt — who was designated to return from injured reserve last week, opening a 21-day window for him to make it back to the active roster — was not activated today and is not eligible to play Sunday vs. the Eagles.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2022
