In a must-win game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their star linebacker suffered an injury that took him out of the game.
Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt suffered a knee injury in the second half on Saturday in a 17-10 win over the Ravens, and after being examined in the blue medical tent and heading to the locker room, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
In the third quarter, Baltimore quarterback Tyler Huntley rolled out for a pass to his right that was batted down by Steelers tackle Montravius Adams.
But as Adams knocked the ball down, his momentum carried his off toward Watt, knocking into the linebacker in what appeared to be his left knee.
Steelers medical staff tend to linebacker T.J. Watt (left) as teammates take a knee during the third quarter against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConWatt lay on the ground and was eventually helped out by the training staff, walking to the locker room under his own power.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, initial tests indicate Watt suffered a grade 3 MCL sprain, which would be considered a multi-week injury.
He will still undergo further testing.
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt walks with medical staff. APAfterward, coach Mike Tomlin held out hope that Watt would be OK. “I’ll have more information probably next time we get together,” Tomlin said. “Obviously disappointed in that, but there are challenges in the game of football, there are challenges in life. So we’ll deal with it, whatever it may be.”
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Watt wanted to come back into the game, but the Steelers did not allow it.
Before the injury, Watt put up gaudy numbers in the game, recording eight tackles and two sacks as the Steelers hope to earn a spot in the postseason. If Buffalo or Jacksonville lose on Sunday, Pittsburgh is in.
Watt finishes the regular season with 19 sacks, 68 tackles and one interception.
He was named to the Pro Bowl earlier in the week.
— with AP
