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.

Along with dealing with an ankle injury, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is also battling a lingering right thumb injury.