J.J. Watt: Steelers' T.J. Watt's Knee Injury Diagnosed as Grade 2 MCL Sprain | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Jessica Wood Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt's knee injury has been diagnosed as a grade 2 MCL sprain, according to his brother, J.J.:
JJ Watt @JJWattBest case scenario for TJ. <br><br>Grade 2 MCL sprain.<br>Everything else looks pristine.<br><br>Couple weeks of rest/recovery.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetWith the <a href="">#Steelers</a> officially in the playoffs, and star TJ Watt dealing with a Grade 2 MCL sprain, sources say the absolute best-case scenario for this injury is to play in two weeks with a brace. <br><br>So to get Watt back on the field, Pittsburgh likely needs to win a few.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported the injury was feared to be a torn MCL.
While the news is undoubtedly good for the Steelers' star, it does mean he's likely to miss Pittsburgh's playoff opener, and possibly their divisional round matchup, should they advance.
Watt suffered the injury late in the third quarter after a collision with teammate Montravius Adams, heading to the medical tent before entering Pittsburgh's locker room. He did not return.
Watt's brother and former three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt called the injury "devastating" in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
JJ Watt @JJWattNo worse feeling.<br><br>Devastating.
Prior to his exit, the six-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher recorded a team-high eight tackles as well as two sacks. This brought his season total up to 19.0, the highest mark in the NFL ahead of Sunday's action.
NFL @NFLAdd ANOTHER sack to <a href="">@_TJWatt</a>'s stat sheet.<br><br>DPOY? 👀<br><br>📺: <a href="">#PITvsBAL</a> on ESPN/ABC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="">#NFLPlus</a> <a href=""> <a href="">
The Steelers ended up winning by the final score of 17-10, improving their playoff chances. The team now requires losses from the Buffalo Bills or the Jacksonville Jaguars in order to earn a wild card berth. They would also make the postseason if Saturday night's contest between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts ends in a tie.
Watt's health moving forward will be monitored closely. The 29-year-old is crucial to the Steelers' defensive line production. Outside of Alex Highsmith and his seven sacks, no other player on the roster entered Saturday's matchup with more than three quarterback takedowns this season.
If the Steelers make the playoffs and Watt is unable to play, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will likely lean on Highsmith to keep the team's pass rush afloat in the wild card round.
