NFL insider: Injury-riddled Steelers to work out former Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in former Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson for a workout on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The Steelers are facing several weeks without dominant edge rusher T.J. Watt after the Wisconsin alum suffered a pectoral injury in the season-opener versus the Bengals.

“With T.J. Watt likely headed to injured reserve, the Steelers are working out former Commanders OLB Ryan Anderson today, per source,” Pelissero shared on Tuesday.

Ryan Anderson was a second-round draft pick for Washington, where he spent four seasons. Last year, he was with the New York Giants. He made headlines when he faced a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.

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With T.J. Watt likely headed to injured reserve, the #Steelers are working out former #Commanders OLB Ryan Anderson today, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 13, 2022

In 52 games with Washington, he recorded 86 tackles, five forced fumbles, 15 QB hits, six sacks and one pass defensed.

If he joins Pittsburgh, it will be a great opportunity for Anderson to show that he’s still able to contribute in a meaningful way in the NFL.

Report: TJ Watt injury not season-ending

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a scare on Monday regarding the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. During the win against the Cincinnati Bengals, TJ Watt walked off the field injured, claiming he tore his pec. Watt was in fact correct and now, his timeline to return has been revealed.

According to Ian Rapoport, the pec tear for Watt is not considered season-ending since he won’t need surgery. Now, he could return to action in six weeks or so.

“#Steelers reigning defensive player of the year TJ Watt is still waiting on more information, but the belief is his pectoral injury will not require surgery and is not season-ending, sources tell me and @TomPelissero,” Rapoport said. “He could be back in six weeks or so.”

Even with the positive news, Watt is still most likely to end up on injured reserve. However, Pelissero said that’s viewed as something good for the Steelers.

“The timeline means T.J. Watt will probably land on injured reserve, though Pittsburgh has not made a move,” said Pelissero. “But a day after facing a dire outlook, there is now optimism one of the NFL’s best players will be back on the field by midseason.”

If the six-week timeline remains true, Watt should be back for the Week 8 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.