Steelers Hopeful T.J. Watt’s Pec Not Fully Torn
CINCINNATI — The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful that the pectoral injury suffered by star linebacker T.J. Watt is not a full tear, and that he could be out for less time than initially anticipated.
If it is a torn pec that requires surgery, Watt would likely be expected to miss three to four months, though his brother returned from that injury in just two months in 2019. Either way, it is not expected to be a season-ending injury.
But the team also has hope that he suffered a less-severe injury to the muscle. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Steelers are holding out hope that the injury is only a partial tear, and that Watt could return sooner than expected. Watt left the stadium without wearing any kind of brace, wrap, padding or sling on his left arm and shoulder on Sunday and did not appear to be in any obvious discomfort.
The Steelers added to their depth at the outside linebacker position at the end of training camp, acquiring Malik Reed in a trade from the Denver Broncos and claiming Jamir Jones on waivers.
Reed, the most likely option to start in Watt’s stead, has started 34 games over the last three seasons for the Denver Broncos. Jones started one game for the Steelers last season before being lost on waivers.
Alex Highsmith, who plays opposite Watt, had a strong game on Sunday, recording three sacks after posting just six in all of 2021. He should be expected to face more attention from opposing blockers with Watt on the shelf.
If Watt will miss more than four weeks, the Steelers can put him on the short-term injured reserve list and add another player to their roster.
The Steelers will open their locker room to the media on Monday afternoon at 1:15 p.m., though it’s unclear if they will have an update on Watt’s status at that time. Head coach Mike Tomlin will address the public on Tuesday at noon.
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