Steelers, T.J. Watt weighing options regarding injury

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers, T.J. Watt reportedly weighing options regarding injury

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 9/12/22

The Pittsburgh Steelers' win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday came with a significant cost when reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt exited the game late in the fourth quarter with an injury.

As Watt was leaving the field in pain, he could clearly be seen telling trainers that he though the tore his pectoral muscle. That would be a significant injury and perhaps even a season-ender. While the team has had no official update on Watt, there does seem to be at least some optimism in Pittsburgh that the injury might not be as bad as originally feared.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Steelers and Watt are still weighing their options on what to do regarding his injury, deciding between rehab or surgery. They may not have an official word on his status until Tuesday when head coach Mike Tomlin meets with the media for his weekly press conference.

From NFL Now: The #Steelers and TJ Watt are weighing options surrounding his pec injury, with both rehab-only and surgery as the options. Plus, more on RB Najee Harris and his foot. pic.twitter.com/rYAwSyWHff
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

Along with that, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported on Monday that there is some optimism within the Steelers front office that Watt did not suffer a complete tear of his pectoral muscle and might be able to return after sitting for a month.

Watt was at the Steelers practice facility on Monday and reportedly in good spirits but declined to speak with the media. Either way, the Steelers have to prepare to be without their best player for the foreseeable future. It is just a matter of whether or not it will be a long-term injury.

Prior to leaving Sunday's game, Watt was a monster for the defense, recording six total tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, an interception and two passes defended. He tied the NFL sack record a year ago with 22.5 and won his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. He dramatically changes the Steelers defense when he is on the field.

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