Watt's Season in Jeopardy After Pectoral Injury
Steelers Star Suffers Torn Pec in Week 1
Injury Timeline and Recovery Forecast
Pittsburgh Steelers' star defensive lineman T.J. Watt suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 1 of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Watt left the game in the third quarter and did not return. The injury was initially diagnosed as a Grade 3 MCL sprain, but further evaluation revealed the more severe pectoral tear.
On Friday, the Steelers placed Watt on injured reserve, indicating that he will be out for at least four games. However, sources close to the team believe that Watt's absence could be significantly longer. A Grade 3 pectoral tear typically requires surgery and a recovery period of 6-8 months. If that timeline holds true, Watt would miss the entire 2022 season.
The loss of Watt is a major blow to the Steelers' defense. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was expected to be a key part of a unit that also features Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cam Heyward. Watt's absence will put added pressure on the rest of the defense to step up and fill the void.
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