Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt “badly” dislocated his finger and tore multiple finger ligaments during Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Watt popped his finger back into place and continued playing. Although he’s not expected to miss time, he may need surgery on his injured finger following the 2023 season depending on how it heals, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday
Despite the injury, Watt had another impressive game, posting two sacks, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Through five games, the All-Pro linebacker has posted eight sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown, 15 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits.
Since being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft out of Wisconsin, Watt has been a staple in Pittsburgh’s defense.
He has earned five Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pros and was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
Had Watt needed to miss some time this season, Markus Golden likely would have been the next man up at the left outside linebacker position. The Steelers also signed outside linebacker Kyron Johnson to the practice squad this week, likely in the wake of Watt’s injury.
Pittsburgh is currently first in the AFC North with a 3-2 record. The team is slated to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Watt’s Week 5 dominance came as little surprise to those who watch him on a game-by-game basis. What was surprising, though, was the fact that Watt was able to maintain such a high level of performance through injury. Watt suffered a “badly” dislocated finger and multiple ligament tears during Sunday’s rivalry clash.
Watt wasn’t too bothered by the ailment; he reportedly popped his mangled digit back into place shortly thereafter. And when it was time to get back down to business, Watt was there, sweeping up Lamar Jackson in a swirl of mayhem. He sent the Ravens star down to the canvas in the game’s waning moments, sealing an all-important Steelers win, their sixth in the last seven matchups against Baltimore.
With Pittsburgh on a bye, Watt should get a little extra time to mend his wounds.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said he expected for Watt to be good to go for the Steelers Week 7 duel with the Rams at SoFi Stadium
Surgery could be on the cards for Watt during the offseason, but that still remains to be seen.
If Watt can lay siege to one of the best quarterbacks in the land with a significant hand injury keeping him down, others need to take heed
