The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt an excruciating blow on Sunday when it was announced that star pass-rusher T.J. Watt had suffered a torn pec that would likely cost him the entire 2022 season.
It was terrible news for a team that was coming off an emotional victory over their AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, it has since been revealed that Watt’s injury is not as bad as they originally thought.
Contrary to their original belief, surgery will not be needed and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year could be back on the field by midseason. What saved Watt’s season in this instance is the fact that, while he did suffer a torn pec muscle, he did not tear the tendon.
As a result, he could be back in six weeks or so. That means we could see Watt back in action as early as week 7, when the Steelers visit Miami. Or perhaps week 8, when they travel to Philly to take on their in-state rivals.
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After that, the Steelers have a bye in week 9. So you’d have to think a week 10 return would be the absolute worst case at this point, based on the most recent timeline for Watt’s recovery. Either way, it’s great news for the Steelers and their fans.
And for those who didn’t hear the good news yet, TJ Watt himself provided an update on his status by posting the perfect gif to his Twitter account.
There are 31 quarterbacks in the NFL who would “dislike” this Tweet if they could.
We’ll see you back on the field soon enough, TJ.
