The Pittsburgh Steelers were without All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins. But head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t going to go even a game without him feeling part of the team.

After defeating the Dolphins 28-15 on Monday Night Football, Tomlin told reporters that he texted Watt just prior to kickoff.

“We’ll be excited to get T.J. back. I texted with him pregame just to let him know he was missed,” Tomlin told the media. “I’m sure he’s getting back around his teammates sooner rather than later.”

Watt missed Week 15 after needing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung. The edge rusher suffered the injury after receiving dry needling treatment at the Steelers team facility.

It was the first game Watt sat out this season.

The edge rusher could be back in Week 16 when the Steelers visit the Detroit Lions on December 21. That game will be 10 days after Watt’s procedure.

Without Watt against the Dolphins, the Steelers registered four sacks against quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Edge rushers Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer combined for six total tackles.

Highsmith also had a pass defense. Herbig recorded a quarterback hit.

Mike Tomlin Confident in Steelers Edge Rushers Without Watt

There probably isn’t a better way for Tomlin to show Watt public appreciation than to tell his story about the Week 15 pregame text. But despite his desire for Watt to return, Tomlin stated he has a lot of confidence in the team’s edge rushing depth.

“We’ve not surprised when they play well,” Tomlin said. “We view Herbig as starter like, certainly. We’re excited about the bright side and the future of Jack Sawyer.

“And so, not surprised they are able to step in and hold the standard.”

Sawyer had three of the six tackles the trio of Pittsburgh’s top edge rushers recorded Monday night. But Steelers defenders at other levels of the team’s defense played well to help the team overcome Watt’s absence.

Linebacker Patrick Queen had perhaps his best game of the season, posting 10 total tackles, including two for loss. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey had six tackles and a sack.

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward also had a sack and two tackles for loss.

The Steelers entered Week 15 reeling on run defense, having given up more than 200 yards on the ground in each of the past two games. But against the hot Dolphins rushing attack, the Steelers yielded just 63 rushing yards.

Miami averaged 3.9 yards per carry.

Steelers Stay in First Place of the AFC North

With the victory Monday, the Steelers remained a game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens for first place in their division. The two teams will conclude the season against each other at Acrisure Stadium in Week 18.

Because of that looming matchup, the Steelers could actually lose their next two contests and still win the AFC North by knocking off the Ravens on January 4.

However, Baltimore faces the 11-3 New England Patriots and 9-4-1 Green Bay Packers in Weeks 16 and 17, respectively. If the Ravens lose both games, the Steelers could clinch the AFC North before the season finale by winning the next two contests.

After facing the Lions on Sunday, the Steelers will visit the Cleveland Browns on December 28.

A pair of wins before Week 18 could be beneficial for the Steelers even if it doesn’t clinch the AFC North. The Houston Texans currently own the final AFC wild card spot with a 9-5 record.

If the Texans stumble down the stretch, the Steelers could have another path to the postseason if they win two of their last three contests.