Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin 'Optimistic' About T.J. Watt Availability vs. Ravens
Head Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that he is "optimistic" that star defensive end T.J. Watt (ankle) will be available for Saturday's AFC North showdown against the Ravens.
Tomlin was encouraged when he saw Watt Monday morning at the Steelers' practice facility.
"I just saw him walking around rather comfortably, but again, he's questionable with his ankle," Tomlin told reporters at his Monday press conference. "We'll see where the roads lead us. I'm optimistic about the availability of T.J. based on what I've seen today."
Watt suffered his injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and did not return. After the game, Watt told reporters that X-rays taken of his ankle were negative.
Tomlin said the status of other players who missed Sunday's game, including wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), and defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi (groin) would be determined during the week, but none have been ruled out.
The Steelers have clinched a playoff spot but can claim the division crown with a victory over the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
"This is a big game. We have an opportunity to solidify the division this week," Tomlin said. "Rest assured, the healthy people are going to play in this game. I think that merits all hands on deck."
Cleveland Browns: Nick Chubb Suffers Season-Ending Foot Injury; Jameis Winston Benched
Running back Nick Chubb is done for the season after suffering a broken foot during a 21-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a tough blow after coming back from a major knee injury.
Chubb is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The four-time Pro Bowler has played his entire career with Cleveland since being drafted in 2018 and rushed for at least 1,000 yards in four straight seasons (2019-22).
However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of 2023 and has averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry in eight games since returning.
"I can't tell you how much I respect him as a person, what he means to this football team," Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "So, really, really disappointed about this injury. Does not change the fact that he continues to inspire this football team with how he approaches every single day. And I know this is another obstacle that he will overcome."
Stefanski didn't commit to a starting quarterback for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals after Jameis Winston threw three interceptions against the Chiefs and was benched in the third quarter. Dorian Thompson-Robinson finished the game after replacing Winston, who has thrown 12 interceptions since taking over for injured Deshaun Watson in Week 8.
"This is not about one person," Stefanski said. "I want to make that very clear. Jameis does a great job preparing for these games. He's fighting his tail off and I appreciate that from him, but we'll make that decision later."
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow Shows His Frustration During Victory Over Titans
The Bengals (6-8) kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 37-27 win over the Tennessee Titans, but franchise quarterback Joe Burrow showed his frustration.
Burrow and Head Coach Zac Taylor had an intense sideline exchange during the game that was captured by television cameras.
"I was just frustrated in the day that we had on offense. It was too sloppy," Burrow said via Ben Baby of ESPN.com. "We had too many penalties. Too many procedural penalties. I had too many turnovers. It was just a frustrating day on offense."
With three games left, the Bengals have just a 5.7% chance of making the playoffs, according to ESPN analytics.
The Bengals dug a hole by starting 0-3, and despite great individual seasons by Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, they are running out of time.
"It's always in the back of your mind until you're out of it," Burrow said of making the postseason. "But we know the chances are very slim. What I'm focused on is playing as good as we can play, myself playing up to my standard. That's why I was so frustrated. I didn't feel like we did that today."
