A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete and dedicated article but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys. The same as our recent Depot Daily, but now late at night to better capture the news of the day.
Your Depot After Dark for Oct. 20.
Heyward Helps Out
As tweetedby the Steelers Community Relations Twitter page, Cam Heyward spoke with local high school athletes dealing with serious injuries like the one that Heyward is experiencing this season. Heyward will return this year but has been on IR after suffering a groin injury in Week One, requiring surgery.
“I just want to inspire and tell them it might be a long road, but it’s not the end of the road,” Heyward said.
Heyward dealt with a season-ending injury in 2016, tearing his pec and missing the rest of the year. While those athletes still have to struggle with the physical and mental toll of their injuries, being able to hear and talk to someone like Heyward has to be a big psychological boost.
Kwon Blasts NFL
An idea floated this past offseason, the NFL appears to be making it a mission to define and eliminate the “hip-drop” tackle that has caused leg and ankle injuries over the years. A rule that will likely be put in place this offseason, some Steelers are already speaking out about it. LB Kwon Alexander tweeted “this ain’t right man” about the report and said he hopes the NFL doesn’t fine defenders for it. Oh but they probably will.
Alexander has been fined several times this season, though one was rescinded for a hit he made during the preseason. As he notes, it doesn’t feel like defenders have many options when it comes to tackling. This appears to be another way they can be penalized and (probably) fined.
T.J. Watt’s Injury
While T.J. Watt missed Thursday’s practice due to a heel injury, it won’t prevent him from playing in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Nor will the finger he bashed in Week Five against the Baltimore Ravens. Speaking to reporters Friday, Watt described the injury and when he realized it was serious.
“I took my glove off and [my finger] was the size of a hamburger patty,” Watt said via the team’s YouTube channel. “That’s when I knew.”
Watt said the injury was to his left pinky finger and that with some rest, it’s in better shape now. At the time of the report, NFL Network said surgery is possible after the season. For Watt, it’s just the price of paying football.
“As long as I’m still able to play not risk further injury, I’m gonna try to do it,” he said.
Watt is expected to play his full complement of snaps against the Rams. Despite having a bye week, he’s tied for the NFL sack lead with eight.
