Steelers optimistic Watt will return vs. Saints
PITTSBURGH » The Pittsburgh Steelers could get a much-needed jolt as they begin the second half of their season.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the team is optimistic that star outside linebacker T.J. Watt will be available for Sunday’s visit from New Orleans.
Watt, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, has been out since sustaining a left pectoral injury late in regulation of a Week 1 overtime win over Cincinnati. The Steelers have slumped without him and come off their bye week at 2-6, the team’s worst record through eight games since 2013.
While Tomlin cautioned there is still “some work ahead of us” for both Watt and safety Damontae Kazee (out all year with a wrist injury) before they are activated off injured reserve, they appear to be ready to go barring a late setback.
“Obviously, those are two veteran players that are NFL capable and obviously going to be positive contributors to our efforts if available,” Tomlin said.
Giants’ McKinney accepts responsibility for accident
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. » New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney accepted responsibility for the off-road accident that injured his left hand during the bye week and will force him to miss at least the next four games.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the mishap in Mexico last week, McKinney said his injured fingers were surgically repaired when he returned to the United States. He wore a hard cast on his hand and a sling over his shoulder. There is no timetable for his return.
McKinney was vague in giving details about the accident which he said happened on Wednesday of last week. The 23-year-old would not say whether he was a passenger or was driving what he described as a Can-Am. When he tweeted about the accident Monday he had said it was on an ATV.
He said the vehicle tilted over and he fell on his hand during a sightseeing tour in Cabo. He later said the vehicle did not flip over and something hit his hand, but he didn’t know what it was.
Coach Brian Daboll would not give details of McKinney’s injury or whether he would be subject to team discipline.
The Giants (6-2) put McKinney on the non-football injury list, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. There is a chance the team could withhold pay from McKinney because the accident was off the field.
Raiders waive Abram
HENDERSON, NEV. » Safety Johnathan Abram, who failed to meet the expectations of a first-round draft pick, was waived by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Abram, who was drafted 27th overall in 2019 out of Mississippi State, started the first seven games this season before being moved to a reserve role the past two weeks and having his playing time slashed.
He didn’t make the impact expected of a first-round selection and particularly struggled in pass coverage.
His release continues the Raiders’ makeover of the prior regime headed by coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock.
The Raiders used six first-round draft picks between 2019-21, and only running back Josh Jacobs and defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell remain. Both players did not have their fifth-year options picked up by the club before the season.
NFL flexes Chiefs-Chargers
NEW YORK » The NFL has made its first change of the season to its “Sunday Night Football” schedule by moving the Nov. 20 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers into prime time.
The game between the AFC West rivals will kick off at 8:20 p.m. on NBC with the matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers moving to 4:25 p.m. on CBS.
The Chargers will appear on Sunday night in consecutive weeks. They will travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in prime time on Sunday. The Bolts are also scheduled to host the Rams on Sunday night on Jan. 1 in Week 17.
The Chiefs will be making their third of four scheduled Sunday night appearances.