TJ Watt suffers possible knee injury, ruled out for preseason finale

In a scary moment for Steelers fans during Sunday’s preseason finale, star TJ Watt was taken into the locker room for injury examination. Watt reportedly suffered some form of knee injury according to a report during the broadcast, resulting in the Steelers ruling Watt as out for the remainder of the game as he headed into the locker room for examination before halftime.

TJ Watt suffers possible knee injury in preseason

“Steelers have ruled out TJ Watt for remainder of today’s game vs. Detroit due to a knee injury,” detailed ESPN’s Adam Schefter during the game.

The broadcast confirmed the injury concern from the Steelers, stating that it appeared to be Watt’s left knee that was bothering him as he left for the locker room. Despite Sunday being their final preseason game, multiple Steelers starters saw game action throughout the first half — including a big time play in the backfield by Watt in the first quarter.

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The injury appeared to occur on a play where Watt was blocked low by tight end T.J. Hockenson, as Hockenson went low into the side of Watt’s leg. After the play, Hockenson noticed that Watt had been injured and seemed to offer an apology or acknowledgement of the injury — although Watt didn’t appear interested in talking to him on the field.

Watt’s injury was incredibly similar to the one that New York Giants rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux suffered earlier this preseason — resulting in an outcry of support from NFL players who wanted to see the rules changed to prevent cut blocks on defenders. Thibodeaux’s injury also came as a result of a tight end blocking him low from a sideways angle.

Injuries are a routine part of the game unfortunately, but preseason injuries always draw out criticisms from fans and talking heads about the necessity for playing your stars during games that don’t count towards the regular season. Watt’s injury will likely shine another light on the process team’s go through every year with balancing rest and preparing for the regular season.

As the second half began, head coach Mike Tomlin provided a bit of reassurance for fans by indicating that there was no long-term concern for Watt’s injury.

“Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says on the CBS broadcast that there is no long-term concern for the team in regards to the injuries to Edge T.J. Watt (knee) and WR Diontae Johnson (shoulder),” said ESPN’s Field Yates.