Steelers’ T.J. Watt Enters Concussion Protocol

The standout linebacker played the entire game Thursday night before reporting symptoms on Friday.

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt entered concussion protocol on Friday after experiencing symptoms following Pittsburgh’s loss to the Patriots on Thursday night, the team announced Saturday morning.

In order for Watt to play next week, he must be cleared by both the team and an independent neurologist. Because the Steelers have 10 days in between games, Watt will have more time to recover than he normally would in this scenario.

Although it’s unclear when the injury occurred on Thursday, Watt take a knee to the helmet early in the game and subsequently changed visors on the sideline. He did not attend his normal postgame press conference with the media.

TJ Watt took a knee to the face on the very first snap of the game, came back in that drive, later returned with a black visor and was looked at on the sideline quite a bit after the initial blow. Also did not go to the podium postgame like he usually does, and was slated to do. https://t.co/I9Tx7fjS3y pic.twitter.com/AXEfwxx2oa

— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 9, 2023

The five-time Pro Bowl selection has played in all 13 games this season, registering 52 tackles and 14 sacks. The former Defensive Player of the Year has 91 1/2 career sacks and led the league in sacks in both 2020 and ’21.