Steelers OLB T.J. Watt Out With Left Pectoral Injury

CINCINNATI — Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt suffered a left pectoal injury after a near sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Watt shoved aside La’el Collins and then jumped onto Burrow and landed awkwardly, causing Watt’s shoulder to buckle underneath his body weight.

Watt did not go to the medical tent, and instead, headed to the locker room right away. The trainers took away Watt’s helmet immediately as he was rushed down the steps. Watt has a history of shoulder injuries dating back to his days at Wisconsin.

In his place, the Steelers will play Jamir Jones, Alex Highsmith, and Malik Reed. However, the Steelers losing Watt could be a massive blow to a Steelers defense that had extremely high aspirations. On the CBS broadcast, Watt appeared to say that he thinks he tore his pectoral muscle, but there is no official word yet from the Steelers.

T.J. Watt is the key member of the Steelers’ defense that needs to be present in order for the wheels to churn. Without him, the Steelers have a lot of questions to answer not just in the outside linebacker room, but on defense in general. He will not return to the game.