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Steelers star defender TJ Watt suffered a serious-looking leg injury on Saturday, and the medical community is giving their thoughts on the matter.
Late in the Steelers–Ravens game, one of Watt’s teammates accidentally bumped into his leg, leading to Watt being forced to leave the game.
#Steelers OLB TJ Watt suffered a knee injury and will NOT return to tonight's game.
This was the play:pic.twitter.com/6uqvhlEmmN
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 6, 2024
Former NFL doctor David Chao, better known as Proo Football Doc, took to Twitter to give his diagnosis on Watt’s injury. According to Chao, he believes Watt may have avoided a torn ACL but may be forced to miss a few weeks.
#TJWatt
Hope the wet weather and poor footing prevents a more significant knee injury but still likley to misshttps://t.co/4h3nzOk1tp pic.twitter.com/FZgXsEhZBq— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) January 6, 2024
By video, likely left knee MCL sprain during collision with teammate – hope he avoids dreaded ACL tear thanks to wet field conditions – ruled out for game as it is difficult for edge rusher to return and play effectively – if Steelers advance to playoffs, not a guarantee he plays.
Watt exited in the third quarter with the game tied 7-7. He was able to walk to the locker room, but that is common with an MCL sprain. He will undergo precautionary X-rays but an MRI on Sunday will determine the true extent of the damage.
Update: The Steelers revealed Watt suffered a grade 3 MCL sprain and could miss several weeks.
Based on initial tests, #Steelers potential DPOY TJ Watt is believed to have suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain, sources said. He’ll have further tests, but that’s a multi-week injury.
Better than an ACL tear. But not good if PIT makes the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/vG6YshWUKm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2024
Hopefully Watt is okay and is good to go if the Steelers make the playoffs.