The Pittsburgh Steelers received devastating news on one of their star defenders ahead of their Wild Card round matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers’ victory over their adversary, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 18 came at a high cost, but it kept them in the running for the playoffs until the Jacksonville Jaguars’ collapse catapulted them there.

But for the majority of the playoffs, they were without perhaps their best player.

Next Saturday, Watt won’t be with the Steelers.
T.J. Watt, a star pass rusher, was hurt during the Steelers’ victory on Saturday. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that Watt sprained his MCL in a grade two manner. Watt will play for the Steelers by the AFC Championship round, if all goes according to plan.

The Steelers’ late-season comeback has been largely attributed to Watt’s presence. With 19 sacks this season, Watt lead the NFL in sacks.

Next weekend, Watt could have been deployed by the Steelers to go after Josh Allen, their outstanding quarterback. Without another pass rusher with Watt’s caliber, it will be difficult for the Steelers to move forward far enough for him to return.