Steelers facing several key injuries after beat down by the Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just get smacked down by the New England Patriots in Week 1 of the season, but they are now also dealing with some key injuries to their lineup prior to the Week 2 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field.

Of those who left the game for some time, the biggest name would be none other than T.J. Watt. Watt left the game early in the 4th quarter with what was called a hip injury by the Steelers public relations team.

After the game Mike Tomlin acknowledged Watt’s hip injury, but didn’t have anything further to say about the Pro Bowl linebacker’s potential status moving into Week 2.

Watt wasn’t the only player who left the game with an injury. Center Maurkice Pouncey was removed from the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury. That leg injury was announced as an ankle injury by Tomlin after the game. As always, he will be evaluated and his practice participation will dictate whether he will be available in Week 2.

In the waning minutes of the game, with no possible chance of a comeback, JuJu Smith-Schuster caught a pass over the middle and twisted his ankle while being tackled. He gingerly walked off the field and never returned.

What looked like an ankle injury was called a toe injury. Like the others, he will be evaluated but any time you hear about a toe injury you feat the dreaded turf toe designation which can be a tough injury to overcome for a skill position player.

Other notable injuries for the Steelers included cornerback Joe Haden, who left the game with a shoulder injury, but was able to return.

Tomlin will go into more detail on these injuries at his Tuesday press conference, so be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they turn their attention to the Seattle Seahawks coming to Heinz Field next week.