While many were hopeful of a potential return to action amid a gradual recovery, the Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed on Saturday that outside linebacker T.J. Watt will not be available for selection for his team’s clash against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. This is due to an ongoing groin injury.
After injuring his groin during the first half of a Week 2 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, Watt was forced off the field; unable to return for the second half of the clash.
“I think it was a tweak here or there and then tried to push through it,” Watt said of his injury. “Just trying to be smart at the end of the day, ultimately. It’s a long season.”
Sidelined alongside Watt is fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith with a groin injury of his own. As a result, the Steelers will have to rely on the services of Melvin Ingram and former undrafted free agent Jamir Jones.
Watt remains hopeful that Jones will be able to deliver a strong performance in his absence. Watt described Jones as a “spark” who has played impressively since first arriving at the team.
