PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt will not play against the Bengals on Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field. Watt, who injured his groin in the 27-16 loss to the Raiders last week, was originally listed as questionable Friday afternoon. The Steelers downgraded him to out Saturday morning.
Watt's absence means the Steelers will play the game without their two starting outside linebackers. Alex Highsmith, who also has a groin injury, did not practice all week will not play. Melvin Ingram and Jamir Jones will start in their place. It will be the first career start for Jones, who played just 16 snaps in the first two weeks.
Ingram was signed in July to provide veteran depth, and the move is looking like a godsend now. He has a sack and four quarterback hits in the first two games.
The Steelers likely will make some roster moves Saturday to add depth behind Ingram and Jones for Sunday. Taco Charlton and Derrek Tuszka are the top candidates to be called up from the practice squad.
Both are new to the Steelers. Tuszka joined the Steelers after being waived by the Broncos last month. Charlton, a former No. 1 pick of the Cowboys in 2017, was signed this week.
