T.J. Watt Absent to Start Steelers OTAs

The Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest star was not at the first day of OTAs.

PITTSBURGH -- There was one glaring absence from the Pittsburgh Steelers roster when the team took the field for the first day of 2023 OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this week. 

The Steelers' star defender, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, was not with the team and did not practice during Day 1 of OTAs, fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith acknowledged after practice. 

OTAs are voluntary, and therefore, some player choose to attend only limited portions, most times toward minicamp. 

Watt had another stellar season last year as the leader of the Steelers defense. Despite playing in just 10 games while dealing with a torn pectoral muscle, Watt recorded 39 tackles, eight for loss, 12 quarterback hits, 5.5 sacks, five passes defended and a forced fumble during his injury-shortened 2022. 

But Watt was not the only one not in attendance at the start of OTAs. Fellow starting defender Larry Ogunjobi was also not in attendance. His whereabouts and when he will return are also unknown. 

Ogunjobi made 16 starts at defensive tackle last season, recording 48 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits.

With both Watt and Ogunjobi out, the Steelers will be able to get a more detailed look at how rookie draft picks Keanu Benton and Nick Herbig fit into the defense.  

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