Steelers battle through injuries to defeat Bengals 23-20

Left: Pittsburgh Steelers, Right: Cincinnati Bengals – CC

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. The victory, however, might have cost the Steelers more than they anticipated.

The win came via Chris Boswell’s field goal on the last play of overtime. Before that, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and running back Najee Harris suffered injuries that required them to exit the game. Additionally, linebacker Robert Spillane had an eye injury, as did cornerback Levi Wallace.

During the second half, Watt, the current defensive player of the year, suffered a pectoral injury. The Steelers suspected Watt tore his pectorals, and he would have scans on Monday to confirm the severity of his injury.

Harris was hurt in the foot in the second half. If Harris ends up being out or limited in Week 2, Jaylen Warren would likely have to lead the Steelers’ backfield versus the New England Patriots. According to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, both players are now being assessed.

Before departing from the game, Watt had six tackles (three for loss), a sack, and one interception. On one of Harris’ 12 touches, which came on a one-yard pass from quarterback Mitch Trubisky, the Steelers scored their first offensive touchdown of the year. At the end of the game, Harris was replaced by Warren. During the final minutes of the game, Malik Reed filled in for Watt.

Pittsburgh defensive captain Cam Heyward discussed Watt’s influence on the defense after the game, but he refused to comment on the injury.

“Having T.J. out there definitely benefits us. He’s a leader. He’s the defensive player of the year. However long it takes, other guys have got to step up,” Heyward said.

“Alex Highsmith stepped up pretty well today. Malik and Jamir Jones are coming along. We had to do some different stuff out there. We rally around him, and when he gets back, we’ll be ready.”