Getty Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith both entered the concussion protocol after Week 14 loss to the New England Patriots.
The top two edge rushers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, didn’t play as much as usual in Week 14 against the New England Patriots because of injuries. The status of players going forward is now uncertain.
Pro Football Talk reported on December 9 that Watt entered the NFL concussion protocol.
That report came less than 18 hours after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that Highsmith had entered the NFL concussion protocol.
“Steelers standout pass-rusher Alex Highsmith has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol following last night’s game, sources say,” Rapoport posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He has more time to clear before their next game with the mini-bye.”
#Steelers standout pass-rusher Alex Highsmith has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol following last night’s game, sources say. He has more time to clear before their next game with the mini-bye.
While Rapoport is correct that having played on Thursday will give the Steelers extra time before their next game, it’s not as many days as usual.
The Steelers will play their next contest on Saturday, December 16.
Steelers’ T.J. Watt Suffers Injury on First Play Against Patriots
On the very first play from scrimmage in Week 14, Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott’s knee made contact with Watt’s helmet.
Watt left the field and entered the blue medical tent. Steelers Now’s Nick Farabaugh reported that Watt was evaluated for a concussion.
“T.J. Watt into the blue medical tent,” Farabaugh tweeted during the game. “Red hat went in with him, which would mean concussion evaluation.”
T.J. Watt into the blue medical. Red hat went in with him, which would mean concussion evaluation.
Watt returned to the game although at one point, the Amazon Prime stream reported that the Steelers installed a visor on Watt’s helmet.
Light sensitivity is a concussion symptom. That led to speculation among fans on X that Watt wrongfully played through a head injury.
Watt has worn a visor on his helmet in the past, but he didn’t start Week 14 with one.
Watt played 91% of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps with his 52 plays. That’s about what he’s been averaging per game this season.
Steelers’ Alex Highsmith Exits With Neck Injury
Like Watt, Highsmith left during the first half against the Patriots. His injury also wasn’t referred to as a concussion during the game.
However, unlike Watt, Highsmith didn’t return. Amazon Prime reported that he was ruled out with a neck injury.
Rapoport also called his injury a neck issue early on December 8. The report that Highsmith entered the concussion protocol came out in the evening.
With two consecutive losses, the Steelers own a 7-6 record. As of December 9, they are not in a playoff spot.
The Steelers can’t really afford to lose any more games. That makes their matchup in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts a must-win.
Obviously, the Steelers would like to have at least one, if not both, of their edge rushers for that matchup. That’s especially the case with the injuries the Steelers have at inside linebacker. Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander are both out for the rest of the season.
Watt is second in the NFL with 14 sacks this season. He also has 14 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits, 7 pass defenses and an interception.
If Watt can’t play, then Highsmith is the obvious player the Steelers would need to fill his production.
Should both Watt and Highsmith not be able to play in Week 15, backup outside linebackers Nick Herbig and Markus Golden will likely see significantly more snaps.