Steelers Get Best-Case Scenario for T.J. Watt Return from Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers got more good news regarded the injury to star outside linebacker T.J. Watt on Monday.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there is a chance for Watt to return to action this season. Rapoport said the “best case scenario” for the Grade 2 MCL sprain on Watt’s left knee is for him to be able to play with a brace in two weeks. 

Of course, the Steelers would have to win two playoff games, on the road, as big underdogs to get Watt back into the fold, but Monday’s news at least gives hope of a potential return.

Watt’s brother, former NFL star and CBS Sports analyst J.J. Watt, reported on Sunday that Watt does not need surgery and that he would be able to recover after a few weeks of rest, but did not say whether or not Watt could return to action this season.

Watt suffered the injury in the third quarter of his team’s 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. He and defensive lineman Montravius Adams both jumped to try to block a pass from Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, and Adams landed on Watt’s lower left leg.

It’s the same knee that Watt injured in 2022, when he was caught by a low block from Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockensen last preseason. Watt ended up having minor surgery to clear up that injury, doing so while he was also sidelined with a pec injury suffered in Week 1.

The Steelers struggled while Watt missed seven games last season, but have upgraded the depth behind him this year, bringing in veteran free agent Markus Golden and drafting Nick Herbig in the fourth round. They are expected to share the reps opposite Alex Highsmith with Watt out.