TJ Watt addresses injury concerns heading into Week 3 of NFL action
Wisconsin product TJ Watt signed a megadeal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month and began the NFL season in strong fashion with 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 6 QB hits.
However, the pass-rusher sustained a groin injury in Week 2, which has Steelers fans wondering if the star will suit up against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
To the delight of Steelers fans, Watt is optimistic that he’ll be on the field in Week 3.
Via reports from Aditi Kinkhabwala and Brooke Pryor:
#Steelers’ TJ Watt said he’s comfortable w/ how much work he got in this week in terms of preparation, should he be deemed medically ready to play Sunday. And promised he won’t be limited if he does play: “If I’m going to play, I’m going to play like I always do.” #Bengals
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 24, 2021
TJ Watt: “This isn’t going around and playing Pee Wee football. This is doing this against guys who do this for a living, so trying to be smart. At the same time, knowing your body more than anything. I felt like I did a good amount to leave the door open for Sunday.” https://t.co/EIqgaGIANM pic.twitter.com/3YaMwxLaCb
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 24, 2021
Watt signed a four-year extension of over $112 million, with $80 million guaranteed at the onset of the deal, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
Watt led the NFL in sacks last season (15) and has amassed 49.5 sacks during his four seasons in the league. Watt has been the runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year each of the last two seasons.
Watt is the brother of Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt.
Watt spent two seasons at Wisconsin, totaling 11.5 sacks, an interception, touchdown, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In 2016, Watt earned Second-team All American and First-team All-B1G honors.