T.J. Watt injury update: Steelers star will play with cracked ribs vs. Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers will have their star pass rusher available to play in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs despite knowing that T.J. Watt has a couple of cracked ribs. Yet in case Chiefs Kingdom sees this as a sign of vulnerability, just know that Watt has been a monster all season while playing through various injuries.

Watt is the NFL’s leader in sacks with 17.5 after also leading the league last year with 15. He’s done so this year despite playing through a groin injury and having missed a few others (he’s only started 12). Playing through cracked ribs is not ideal, but he’s still likely going to be a significant factor for Pittsburgh in Week 16.

The Steelers and Chiefs are coming into their scheduled game on Sunday afternoon with numerous player concerns due to illness and injury, especially in light of recent COVID breakouts that are plaguing every major sport.

T.J. Watt’s cracked ribs could be a factor in his play against the Chiefs.

For the Chiefs, they are hoping to get names like Travis Kelce and Lucas Niang back today after activating them off of the COVID reserve list, but that only means they have been made available to play if they pass the required tests before the game. The Chiefs look like they will be without cornerback Rashad Fenton, kicker Harrison Butker, punter Tommy Townsend, linebacker Nick Bolton, lineman Kyle Long, lineman Mike Remmers, safety Armani Watts and more.

For the Steelers, they placed linebacker Devin Bush on the COVID list but they did activate defensive tackle Montravius Adams on Saturday.

The Chiefs will still have their hands full with Watt, especially knowing he’s likely going against a position that’s hurting at right tackle with the likelihood of Niang being out along with Long and Remmers. Even with cracked ribs, it could be a long day for Andrew Wylie outside.