Steelers OLB T.J. Watt Had Knee Surgery, Will Miss More Time

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt had knee surgery after a setback in his recovery from a different injury, which will delay his return to the field.

He was originally expected at least six weeks with a left pectoral muscle injury suffered in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1.

The knee issue cropped up during Watt’s rehab and required surgery that is expected to keep him out for several additional weeks, according to a report by Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

Watt must miss at least the team’s Week 5 game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but it seems likely that he will now be out several more weeks. The Steelers have a bye in Week 9, and the team’s Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 13.

Without Watt, the Steelers have started Malik Reed at outside linebacker in each of the last three games. Reed has no sacks and seven tackles in his time with Watt out of the lineup. 

After recording seven sacks with Watt in the lineup in the season opener, the Steelers have three in the last three games. Fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is among the NFL sack leaders.