Cleared: Steelers Get Huge T.J. Watt News

The Pittsburgh Steelers get a major boost on defense.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers got major injury news as outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been cleared by an independent neurologist and is no longer in concussion protocol, team's spokesperson Burt Lauten announced. 

Watt entered concussion protocol on Friday after the team's Week 14 matchup with the New England Patriots. He reported symptoms the morning after and was diagnosed with a concussion. 

He returned to practice on Tuesday and was a full participant on Wednesday before being cleared. 

#Steelers LB T.J. Watt has been cleared by an independent neurological consultant and is no longer in the concussion protocol.

— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 14, 2023

Pittsburgh was hoping to have their superstar on the field this weekend as they fight for a playoff spot. Without Watt in action, the Steelers are 1-10 all-time. They currently hold the 6th seed in the AFC but are less than a game ahead of four teams in the hunt. 

The Steelers are still waiting for news on Alex Highsmith to clear protocol. He left the Patriots game with a neck injury and was then diagnosed with a concussion later on. He was limited in practice the last two days, and still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts. 

If he's unable to play, Nick Herbig is expected to start alongside Watt.  

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