Steelers’ Watt will play against Colts
PITTSBURGH — A few days in concussion protocol did not slow down T.J. Watt.
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker says he feels “great” and expects to play on Saturday when the Steelers (7-6) visit Indianapolis (7-6).
Watt reported concussion-like symptoms last Friday, the day after taking a knee to the facemask from New England running back Ezekiel Elliott on the first play of what became a 21-18 loss to the Patriots. He left for a brief period before being given the OK to play.
The perennial All-Pro said he had “stuff going on” when he reported to the team facility the next day. He returned to practice on Tuesday and was cleared by an independent neurologist Wednesday night.
Watt, whose 14 sacks are second in the NFL, added a tinted visor to his helmet for the majority of the New England game. He declined to get into specifics about the decision, pointing out that he’s worn a visor during pregame and during practice, adding that “it’s not something that’s new for me.”
Watt also laughed when asked about the tests he underwent before getting cleared to return against New England.
“We can break down every little thing that I do,” he said. “I think it’s funny how things get caught on camera when you could do things other times that aren’t on camera. So I’m not going to get in all the specifics and into a debate about it. I’m focused on this week and the Colts.”
Vikings’ Mattison, O’Neill out; Jefferson questionable
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have ruled running back Alexander Mattison and right tackle Brian O’Neill out of their upcoming game at Cincinnati because of ankle sprains.
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was listed as questionable Thursday on the final injury report of the week with a bruised chest that forced him out of the previous game. Jefferson said he plans to play Saturday against the Bengals.
David Quessenberry took over for O’Neill when the injury sidelined him last week in the 3-0 victory at Las Vegas. Mattison was also forced out of the game, putting Ty Chandler in the lead role in the backfield and moving Kene Nwangwu into the mix for carries.
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor was also ruled out for Saturday because of a concussion. Right guard Ed Ingram will return to the lineup after a hip injury held him out against the Raiders.
League making more progress in diversity hiring
The National Football League continues to make incremental, widespread progress in its diversity hiring practices, according to an annual report.
Thursday’s report card from The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida gave the NFL an overall grade of B-plus, which is the highest mark for the league since the study began in 1988. The league received a B-plus mark for racial hiring and a B for gender hiring.
There are still a few areas of concern — particularly in the ownership ranks — but TIDES director Adrien Bouchet said Thursday that the report is largely good news.
“It’s the most positive NFL report since we started doing them,” Bouchet said. “The league has made major strides over the past decade, and particularly the past few years.”
Among the highlights: There were nine general managers who were people of color at the start of the 2023 season — 30% of the league. Also, the overall percentage of people of color who have an NFL assistant coaching position rose to 43.6%, which is up from last year, and has improved from 31.8% in 2013, which earned an A-plus grade.
Flacco signs deal with Browns
BEREA, Ohio — Joe Flacco’s officially signed and sealed with Cleveland. He’s already delivered.
Flacco got a one-year, $4.05 million contract — loaded with incentives — on Thursday from the Browns, who brought in the veteran quarterback last month while in emergency mode after losing starter Deshaun Watson for the season with a right shoulder injury.
Flacco’s deal means the 38-year-old moves from the practice squad to the active roster. And while it was more procedural than anything, it assures he’ll be with the Browns (8-5) as they try to clinch a playoff spot.
Flacco can earn $75,000 for each win in any of Cleveland’s four remaining regular-season games, a person familiar with the financial terms told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the incentives haven’t been made public. Additionally, Flacco can make $250,000 for a wild-card win, $500,000 for a divisional playoff win, $1 million for an AFC title and another $2 million if the Browns win the Super Bowl.
