As if the Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 15, 13-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles couldn't get any worse, their best player on defense appeared to suffer an injury to his left leg at the end of the contest.

Watt had a forced fumble and two sacks. Johnson struggled with his speed at times, and Watt was able to dip around the edge before leaving the game with an ankle injury. After the game, Johnson gave all the credit in the world to Watt and said he would have nightmares of Watt.

PHILADELPHIA — The Steelers had every reason to fear the worst. T.J. Watt's pursuit of Jalen Hurts ended with the star linebacker briefly hopping before he crumbled to the turf in the fourth quarter against the Eagles and clutched his left ankle.

Pittsburgh Steelers star edge defender T.J. Watt left Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter because of an ankle injury. Watt, who eventually walked off under his own power,

Pittsburgh Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt confirmed that X-Rays on his ankle were negative following a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on

Watt, while trying to get to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field, suddenly started hopping while favoring his left foot. Watt didn't seem to do anything specifically, but he fell to the ground clearly in a lot of pain.

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.

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.

Philadelphia improved to 12-2, tying the Detroit Lions for best record in the NFC. The Steelers, falling to 10-4, still lead the Baltimore Ravens by one game in the AFC North. If Pittsburgh wins at Baltimore next week, the Steelers will clinch the division.

T.J. Watt tied James Harrison’s Steelers record for forced fumbles, inching closer to becoming the franchise’s all-time leader.

T.J. Watt‘s status for his return to the field has been uncertain following an injury sustained during a recent game. Questions about the star linebacker’s availability have surfaced as the Pittsburgh Steelers look ahead to their next NFL game.