LB TJ Watt left the game after banging knees with MLB Joe Schobert on the sack they shared.
I didn’t see any worrisome, unnatural flexing of that knee on the replay. It could be a bone bruise or at worst a patella. Curiously, his injury announcement was designated as a “hip.”
TJ was clearly in a lot of pain, but was able to walk off on his own and remained on the sideline after ducking into the blue tent.
CB Joe Haden suffered a mid-foot sprain early in the Lions game. Per Ian Rapaport he is considered day-to-day.
Haden spent some time this week in a walking boot (per Instagram) but according to Tomlin he’ll “have an opportunity to work” this week.
LG Kevin Dotson and RG Trai Turner both went down with ankle injuries against Detroit. Dotson suffered a high-ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week, which – while nonspecific – sounds worse than “day-to-day.”
In his Tuesday presser, Tomlin said he was “confident [Turner] will show up.” He seems to have a better chance to go this weekend than Dotson.
QB Ben Roethlisberger self-reported symptoms and tested positive for COVID on Saturday. Mason Rudolph took his place against the Lions, but because Ben is vaccinated he has a chance to clear COVID protocols in time to play next Sunday at the Chargers.
WR Chase Claypool is battling a toe injury sustained late against the Bears and is also in the “week-to-week” category.
According to Mike Tomlin in his Tuesday press conference Claypool will practice tomorrow, and his reaction to that work will guide his availability.
FS Minkah Fitzpatrick was added to the COVID list on Monday, which makes his availability for this Sunday a long shot.
While it certainly is am extensive list, Minkah is the only guy you should expect to not play against the Chargers. Tomlin’s leaving the light on for everyone else, and it’s best to trust the experts on matters of health.
It should also be mentioned the Chargers will be without their best pass rusher.
Steely Cam 