Aaron Rodgers joined the Pittsburgh Steelers with the vision that any offensive shortcomings would be offset by the stout defensive unit led by TJ Watt , Cam Heyward , and others.
This season, the result of that collaboration has been a mixed bag. After starting well, they slumped into a series of disappointing losses, the worst of which came in Week 13 at the hands of the Buffalo Bills.
In that game, Watt's defense was exposed, as they could not stop their opponents from running the ball comfortably. Then in Week 14, they fixed their mistakes, helping Rodgers and the offense complete a total team effort to win against the Ravens.
Next, they will be waiting to take on the wildly inconsistent Miami Dolphins. A win against a fellow AFC rival would boost their chances of possibly obtaining a 1st-round bye.
I haven't talked to TJ, but I would never bet against anybody in the Watt family of being able to deal with something small or large and getting back on the field as quickly as possible.
Aaron Rodgers told reportersThis was the superstar quarterback's response when asked if he had been in touch with TJ Watt after the star pass rusher was hospitalized for an apparent lung injury.
With just days to go before they suit up to face the Dolphins on Monday Night, they need their best defensive player on the field, especially if they want to comfortably ensure that they get the win.
Aaron Rodgers was referring to TJ Watt's lung injury, which he apparently suffered during practice. When reporters quizzed head coach Mike Tomlin about the details, he said:
He was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday… He stayed overnight at the hospital, he has a lung situation that is being addressed… His status for Monday Night is really up in the air.
Mike Tomlin saidHe did not, however, confirm that the injury happened during practice or while the superstar pass rusher was being treated. Tomlin did mention that further details would come out as doctors run tests.
If the 31-year-old does not recover in time, then it would be a big blow for the Steelers, as the Wisconsin native draws a lot of attention from opposing offensive linemen.
It seems Ohio State star Jack Sawyer will be tasked to do that against the Dolphins, especially if TJ Watt cannot get ready in time. The rookie has been his school's best rusher, and Tomlin would expect nothing less on Monday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will know in the coming days whether TJ Watt can play. But for Aaron Rodgers personally, he will know a day before their Dolphins game whether he is officially still the oldest player in the league.
Well, I'm not the oldest guy in the league. Love that… I was laughing because a couple of my buddies hit me up asking what I would do in the situation, and I said, without missing a beat, 'I'm retired. I'm staying retired.' So, big credit to Phil.
Aaron Rodgers told reportersHe was referring to Philip Rivers, who will most likely make his return to the NFL in Week 15 for the Indianapolis Colts. If he does play, the 44-year-old will officially become the oldest player in the league.
Rodgers reiterated that he has always been a fan of the father of 10, but also mentioned that, unlike Rivers, if it were up to him, the 4-time league MVP would never think of coming out of retirement.
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