The Pittsburgh Steelers may be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Megastar TJ Watt, who tore his pectoral during Sunday’s big win against the Cincinnati Bengals, will likely not require surgery per Tom Pelissero:
#Steelers star T.J. Watt is still gathering additional opinions, but the belief is his pectoral tear will not require surgery and is not season-ending, sources tell me and @RapSheet. His exact return date depends on the healing process, but it could be before the end of October.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 13, 2022
This is a huge break for the Steelers. Watt was wreaking absolute havoc on the Bengals prior to his injury.
Watt leads the league in sacks since entering the league with 73. He has been an absolute game wrecker and is essentially irreplaceable on this roster. It would have left a massive hole losing a player of Watts caliber.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA on July 28, 2022. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
If what Pelissero said holds true and Watt returns by the end of October, that would put him in line to either face the Philadelphia Eagles in week 8 or when the team comes back from their bye week at home week 10 when the team hosts the New Orleans Saints.
Pittsburgh will have a tough time replacing Watt for the time being, but knowing he’s coming back at all has to make the entire team feel better. It will be up to guys like Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick to step up and make plays. Eyes will be on pass rushers Alex Highsmith, who had an excellent game Sunday with 3 sacks, and newcomer Malik Reed to hold down the edges while Watt heals up.
The defense has an up and down schedule in the weeks ahead. The rest of the month of September is fairly lighter than that of October. The Steelers host the New England Patriots in their home opener this Sunday, then face the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets to end the month.
October is more daunting, with teams like the Buffalo Bills and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on tap among others. It will be a unique challenge to fill the void Watt leaves, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin is always up for one.
Tomlin can’t be happy about losing his star player, no one can be, but knowing a return is potentially on the horizon is huge for morale.
We wish Watt the best of luck in his recovery and hope for the best for him and his health, and look forward to hopefully seeing him back on the field this season.
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