Steelers believe defensive star T.J. Watt suffered a torn pec in win vs. Bengals

Steelers believe defensive star T.J. Watt suffered a torn pec in win vs. Bengals, as the reigning defensive player of the year faces an ENTIRE SEASON on the sidelines

  • T.J. Watt left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent pectoral injury
  • And now the Steelers reportedly believe he was correct in his assessment
  • Watt had 22.5 sacks last season and would be a massive loss for the team

The Pittsburgh Steelers are fearing the worst for pass-rusher TJ Watt, as they believe he suffered a torn pectoral during their Week 1 win against the Bengals, according to ESPN. 

Watt left the field injured in the fourth quarter, and appeared to mouth the words ‘I tore my pec’ as he walked off.

The injury apparently happened as he battled with Bengals offensive lineman La’el Collins. 

T.J. Watt could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after his latest apparent injury

T.J. Watt could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after his latest apparent injury

 The 27-year-old is the reigning defensive player of the year, ending last season with an astonishing 22.5 sacks, and his absence would be a massive loss for Pittsburgh.  

‘Having TJ out there definitely benefits us. He’s a leader,’ teammate Cameron Heyward told reporters.

‘He’s the Defensive Player of the Year. However long it takes, other guys gotta’ step up.’  

Watt appeared to hurt himself after shoving Bengals' tackle La'el Collins (#71)

Watt appeared to hurt himself after shoving Bengals’ tackle La’el Collins (#71)

Watt is scheduled to undergo scans on Monday, and if they confirm the team’s fears, he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Former NFL pass rushers Elvis Dumervil and Mario Williams are among those to suffer a torn pec before, and both missed their respective seasons afterwards (Williams played five games in 2011 before missing the rest of the season).

If there’s a source of optimism for Watt’s recovery time, though, it may be found in his older brother.

Brother J.J., a three-time defensive player of the year currently on the Cardinals, suffered a torn pectoral in 2019, and returned just over two months later for two Texans playoff games.

And according to Dr. David Chao, formerly the head physician for the Chargers, the full recovery timeline for a torn pec is typically three to four months, so it’s possible Watt could make a return late this season.

Regardless, the Steelers will be sweating the results of his scans, as the talisman for their defense could miss (at best) a large chunk of the season. 

source: dailymail.co.uk