The Steelers will have to do without star receiver George Pickens (hamstring) and quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal) on Saturday. Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) is doubtful, and cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) are both questionable.

While Watt and the Steelers are accustomed to be being at the mercy of the NFL schedule makers — Pittsburgh is playing on five days’ rest instead of the normal six because it is also hosting Kansas City on Christmas Day — he demurred when asked if he was frustrated that he’s being forced to deal with an injury during a truncated portion of season.

Mike Tomlin kept the door open for each of his injured players to suit up for Saturday's game against the Ravens during Monday's press conference. That list of players includes T.J. Watt, the Steelers star pass rusher who injured his ankle near the end of Pittsburgh's Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.