In the midst of the Pittsburgh Steelers' impressive Week 1 win, the team suffered several key injuries. None was bigger than TJ Watt, as he got injured after a dominating start to the game. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year injured his pec, which have ended the seasons of Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt in past seasons. Initial reports, including from ESPN's Adam Schefter, seemed as if it was basically a foregone conclusion that Watt fully tore his pectoral muscle.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
That would all but end his season, with a small chance of him returning at the tail end. Now, the reports seem to be a little bit more encouraging. Jonathan Jones, lead insider on NFL on CBS, provided an update on the injury:
There's some optimism today in Pittsburgh that OLB and Reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt did not experience a full pec tear and will be able to return after sitting for a month or so, per league source. Still awaiting word from the team.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) September 12, 2022
This would be a huge sigh of relief for the Steelers. Najee Harris suffered an injury in Sunday's win as well, but there's optimism for his outlook now as well. The diagnosis on Watt will likely be announced on Monday, and it solely depends on the severity of the tear of his pec. If it's a partial tear like Jones reported, he wouldn't miss the full season.
Just released on Twitter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network gave an update on Watt, and Harris.
From NFL Now: The #Steelers and TJ Watt are weighing options surrounding his pec injury, with both rehab-only and surgery as the options. Plus, more on RB Najee Harris and his foot. pic.twitter.com/rYAwSyWHff
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022
Watt will still miss time though, so Malik Reed and Jamir Jones will be expected to step up in a big way. This comes as huge news though, as losing Watt for the season would be a crushing blow to the stout defense and pass rush. He made his presence felt against the Cincinnati Bengals, as he racked up a sack, interception, two pass deflections, and three tackles for loss.
Steelers newcomer Malik Reed in black and gold for one of the first times after being traded to Pittsburgh | Credit: Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Should the Steelers still pursue an OLB if Watt only misses a month? What should the black and gold's record be over the next month? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to interact with our social media!
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