Watt injured in first half; Harrison does not play
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Rookie outside linebacker T.J. Watt injured his groin Sunday in the first half of the Steelers’ 26-9 victory against the Vikings and did not return. Watt said afterward he does not believe it is a serious injury, but would know more after additional testing is done Monday.
“We don’t know yet,” Watt said. “We’ll look at it and see how it goes, but I think it’s something minor.”
When Watt exited the game his backup did not replace him. Veteran James Harrison is listed on the depth chart as the backup at right outside linebacker, but Anthony Chickillo replaced Watt and played the remainder of the game. And when starting left outside linebacker Bud Dupree needed a breather it was Arthur Moats who played in his place.
Harrison did not play one snap in the game and did not speak with reporters afterward. He played just four snaps last week in the season opener in Cleveland.
The Steelers (2-0) might have simply been riding the hot hand with the decision to play Chickillo. He was coming off a two-sack performance against the Browns, when he started for an injured Dupree. Against the Vikings, Chickillo finished with four tackles and a quarterback hurry.
The Steelers did not suffer any other injuries in the game although Alejandro Villanueva and Marcus Gilbert left the game with illnesses. Villanueva was dehydrated because he had been sick for much of the week. He eventually reentered the game late when Gilbert left with a heat-related illness.
Game ball to Rooney II
On the same day the Steelers honored Dan Rooney with a video tribute before the game they presented the game ball to team president Art Rooney II afterward. One of Dan’s sons, Art said he would present the ball to his mother Patricia. Dan Rooney died April 13. “It was an emotional day for us — our first regularseason game without Mr. Rooney,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “It was great to be a part of the recognition of him and his services and all he has provided us.”
Another milestone
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger became the seventh player in NFL history to record 125 victories as a starter in the regular season, joining Tom Brady, Drew Brees, John Elway, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino. He also became the seventh player in league history to record 70 home wins as a starter.
This ’n’ that
The Steelers now are 15-2 in home openers at Heinz Field and Tomlin improved to 10-1 in home openers. … Roethlisberger has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 45 consecutive home games — the third-longest streak in NFL history behind Brady (47) and Brees (60). … JuJu Smith-Schuster’s first career catch was a touchdown. … Cornerback Mike Hilton made his first career start and tied for the team lead with eight tackles. … Place-kicker Chris Boswell had four field goals in a game for the fourth time in his career.