Pittsburgh Steelers formally place TJ Watt on injured reserve, sign linebacker to fill void

After initially thinking he may have suffered a season-ending pectoral tear, Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt may not be gone as long as some thought. The early reports suggest he’ll only miss around six weeks of the season after getting hurt in the opener.

The next step of that has unfolded with Pittsburgh designating him for the IR list. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and NFL.com was one of the first to report the move. Afterward, the franchise announced the move along with a signing for the franchise to help replace the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

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We have signed LB David Anenih to the 53-man roster from the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad and placed LB T.J. Watt on the Injured/Reserve List. @BordasLaw

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 15, 2022

The first thought was Watt’s season may have been over before it ever really started. However, this is a massive win for the franchise as Watt could be back as soon as Week 8 against Philadelphia. It’s not the ideal start, but this report is a positive one as Watt’s season won’t be completely lost as of now.

Report: Watt to miss ‘about six weeks’ with pectoral injury

The bad news for Pittsburgh is that TJ Watt is going to be missing some time with a pectoral injury. The good news is the rehab timeline is shorter than expected after Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Watt will only miss “about six weeks” due to his injury. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was previously thought to be out for the season. However, since surgery is not required, Watt will be back on the field at some point this year.

“Doctors determined this afternoon that Steelers’ LB T.J. Watt does not surgery on his torn pectoral and he now is expected to miss about six weeks, per source,” Schefter said.

Watt suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter vs. Cincinnati. From the moment it occurred, he knew what had happened. Walking off the field holding his chest, he was seen mouthing “I tore my pec, I tore my pec.”

While the six weeks might be positive news, Watt will still be a major loss for Pittsburgh. He was having a dominant performance on Sunday, already filling up the stat sheet. Watt finished with six tackles, three tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, and two passes defended. Especially in an AFC North matchup, it was an incredible showing for Watt.

Over the next six games, the Steelers have a few crucial matchups on the schedule. They will travel to Cleveland Week 3 and Buffalo Week 5. New England will be in town on Sunday. Some big-named AFC quarterbacks/opponents will not have to face the wrath of Watt.

Oct. 30 against Philadelphia could be the earliest return date, at least based on the six-week timeline.