T.J. Watt is as tough as they come. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Watt suffered a “badly dislocated” finger injury in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. He also tore multiple ligaments in his finger. But rather than sit out and play it safe, he popped his finger back into place and finished the game.
Per Ian Rapoport, Watt may need surgery after the season. Both reporters confirm Watt will not miss any game action and will play in the team’s Week Seven contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Pittsburgh is on a bye this weekend, a good chance for Watt and all the other injured Steelers to rest up.
Watt suffered the injury in the first half and was seen shaking his hand and briefly going to the sideline. He soon returned to the game and played the rest of the way. It appears he jammed his finger sometime during this play, perhaps when he collided with OG Kevin Zeitler.
A few plays later, Watt could be seen with tape on his fingers.
Despite the injury, Watt had a great performance, finishing the game with two sacks, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. He took down QB Lamar Jackson to end the game. Watt now leads the NFL with eight sacks this season and could set the sack record if his stellar play keeps up.
The injury is likely why the team signed OLB Kyron Johnson as additional depth for the next few weeks. Fellow starter Alex Highsmith is also nursing a groin injury suffered in practice prior to the Ravens’ game. Markus Golden and Nick Herbig will continue to serve as depth and rotational pieces for the Steelers’ pass rush.
