T.J. Watt Getting Second, Third Opinions on Pec Injury Tuesday
Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt will get second and third medical opinions on his potentially torn pectoral injury on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1569396221160333312?s=20&t=VS3S1wav6LPnNGzVEd-b6w”>ESPN
reports.
Throughout the day, the Steelers have reportedly expressed optimism that Watt would only miss 4-6 weeks with a strained pectoral muscle. The distinction is reportedly between a torn pectoral tendon and torn pectoral muscle. His timeline ranges from his season-ending to only being out six weeks.
So, the Steelers will need to get relief from Alex Highsmith, Malik Reed, and Jamir Jones no matter what. Either way, it certainly seems like Watt could be heading onto the short-term injured reserve. If that would occur, he must miss at least four weeks with the injury.
T.J. Watt initially said he thought he tore his pec when coming off the field. Still, there has been plenty of doubt surrounding the actual diagnosis. Watt had a phenomenal game against the Bengals before exiting from the game in the fourth quarter after a near sack.
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.
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.
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