Mike Tomlin not 'disputing' report that Steelers' T.J. Watt underwent surgery on knee

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — On a day when the Pittsburgh Steelers gave up their most yards in nine years, the shoddy play of the secondary masked another issue on defense.

The Steelers still can’t generate a pass rush without defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt.

Watt sat out his fourth consecutive game Sunday in a 38-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and not only did the Steelers fail to record a sack for the second time in four games, they hit the quarterback just one time.

Facing almost no pressure, Bills quarterback Josh Allen picked apart the Steelers by completing 20 of 31 passes for 424 yards and four touchdown passes — all in the first half. The Bills put up 400 yards of offense in the first half and finished with 522, the most against a Steelers defense since 2013 when New England totaled 610.

It marked the second time during Watt’s absence that the Steelers failed to get a sack, and they have just three since the season opener when they sacked Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow seven times.

Watt is eligible to return from injured reserve this week, but ESPN reported Saturday night that the star outside linebacker recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery that could delay his return.

“When he’s scheduled to come back, if it’s close, we’ll have more details,” coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “I’m not disputing the report. I’m more concerned about the guys who played today, were scheduled to play today and their readiness and what we did or did not do.”

Alex Highsmith entered the game leading the AFC with 5 1/2 sacks but he had just one tackle against the Bills. Malik Reed, who has replaced Watt at outside linebacker, had one tackle and has no sacks since joining the Steelers before the start of the season.