Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt out of concussion protocol, but NFL still investigating

TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers main pass rushers, are out of concussion protocol and should play Saturday against the Colts.

However, the NFL and NFLPA still are investigating if the Steelers followed all concussion guidelines after Watt suffered what appeared to be a head injury in the loss to the Patriots, then came back into the game.

Here’s what happened: Watt’s injury happened on the first play of the game against the Patriots, Dec. 7. That was a Thursday Night Football game. As he was diving to tackle Ezekiel Elliott, Watt’s head collided with Elliott’s knee. Watts did return to the game. But the linebacker’s behavior drew a lot of attention from Steelers fans watching the broadcast. There’s even a video from later in the game showing Watt grimacing and using what appeared to be smelling salts.

Chris Nowinski, who heads up the Concussion Legacy Foundation, shared his thoughts on Watt a day after the game. Nowinski wrote: “Scandal: TJ Watt finished the game after this massive head impact. He added a visor later in the game (light sensitivity?) He didn’t do a post-game interview bc of a “migraine”. Now we learn he is in the concussion protocol. How do we miss this in 2023?”

Scandal: TJ Watt finished the game after this massive head impact.
He added a visor later in the game (light sensitivity?)
He didn't do a post-game interview bc of a "migraine".
Now we learn he is in the #concussion protocol.
How do we miss this in 2023? pic.twitter.com/FphoaMLata

— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 9, 2023

Steelers star said his concussion symptoms started day after game

However, Watt met with the media, Thursday, a week after he suffered the concussion to talk about what happened. He said the Steelers did everything correctly. His concussion symptoms showed up the day after the game.

“Got hit, went into the tent (for evaluation for a concussion), got cleared,” Watt told reporters. “And then came in the next day and had stuff going on (symptoms), so as (released by the team) went into protocol, then (Wednesday) got cleared from protocol. Today, I feel great.”

Reporters who interviewed Watt said the Steelers star indicated that he’s used smelling salts during games before. He said he also will wear either a tinted or clear visor during games and practices.

“We can break down every little thing that I do,” Watt said. “I think it’s funny how things get caught on camera when you could do some things other times that aren’t on camera. So I am not going to get into the all the specifics and into a debate about it. I am focused on this week and the Colts.”

Watt is one of the biggest names in the NFL, so like it or not, the Steelers star will receive a ton of attention when he’s injured. He hasn’t missed a game this season. And his 14 sacks rank second in the league.

Meanwhile, Highsmith also suffered a concussion against the Patriots. He didn’t return to the game and his injury, initially, was described as a neck issue. Like Watt, he went into concussion protocol the next day. He was cleared, Thurday. And both linebackers went through full practices.