Pittsburgh’s best player makes a pitch to retire as a Steeler; Johnathan Taylor’s status
The NFL and its Players Association are demanding more information about the Steelers’ handling of T.J. Watt’s concussion. We look into the possibility of Jonathan Taylor of the Colts playing against the Steelers on Saturday.
Antonio Brown wishes to retire with the Steelers. Former Steelers backup quarterback returns to the bench with his new team. And we take a look at the Penguins’ next opponent on the other side of the border.
All of this and more on Wednesday’s “First Call.”
Rapoport stated that this is standard procedure whenever a player enters the protocol. Watt’s situation is gaining attention because he was injured on the first play from scrimmage against the New England Patriots on Thursday night and then played 51 snaps (91%) the rest of the game.
On Monday, when asked if Watt was checked for a concussion, head coach Mike Tomlin said, “I assume that he was. But I’m managing the game. I leave that to the medical experts. They essentially tell me whether someone is out, whether they’re subject to return or whether they’re back. I got a report that (Watt) was subject to return. Then I got a report that he was back. That was just my knowledge of the details of what transpired with him.”
Watt also returned to action with a tinted visor, which led many to wonder if he was concerned about light sensitivity. Tomlin said he was “unaware” of that.
Watt reported symptoms Friday morning and entered the protocol. Fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith had also been in the protocol as a result of an injury Thursday. Both were back practicing on Wednesday on a limited basis.
It’s still unclear if the Steelers will have to face Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor on Saturday. The former All-Pro is still recovering from thumb surgery. Taylor last played on Nov. 26 when he posted 91 yards on the ground against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 2021 rushing champion has been limited to just seven games this season due to injury and an early season contract dispute. Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said the plan remains for Taylor to return at some point this season, and there is a “chance” he and tackle Braden Smith will play this weekend, even though neither participated in Tuesday’s walkthrough. That goes for cornerback JuJu Brents as well, who did participate despite a quad issue.
Backup Zack Moss will carry the load if Taylor can’t go. Moss has played almost every snap over the past two games — 94% against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 3 and 84% against the Cincinnati Bengals last week. However, he has totaled just 79 yards on 32 carries and 34 receiving yards on 11 targets.
Moss did have 122 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3 and 165 yards against the Titans in Week 5.
Antonio Brown, the Steelers’ troubled wide receiver, wants to retire as a Steeler. On Tuesday, he made that pitch on social media.
“I really couldn’t put into words what it would mean to me to retire as a Steeler.” You know, it’s always been my dream, my goal, to play for the Steelers and have a vision of becoming an NFL player. “It’s all about completing things,” Brown explained.
“It would mean everything for me, for my family, for every Steeler fan in Steeler Nation.”
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