The Steelers now have three starting defensive starters with groin injuries after T.J. Watt left Sunday afternoon’s game before halftime.
Joe Hadan and Devin Bush were already on the sidelines heading into Pittsburgh’s matchup against the Raiders. The severity of Watt’s injury wasn’t immediately clear.
#Steelers megastar LB TJ Watt officially downgraded to OUT w/ that groin injury. He had four tackles and a sack through a little more than a quarter of play.
He’s the third significant defensive starter missing now b/c of a groin issue, joining CB Joe Haden and LB Devin Bush.— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 19, 2021
Watt remained on the sidelines during the game. After halftime, he appeared in a Steelers sweatshirt and hat.
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Melvin Ingram came in as Watt’s replacement, earning his first sack as a Steeler in the third quarter.
Before Watt left Sunday’s game, he had four tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. He left the game in the second quarter already leaving quite the impact for the Steelers.
This defensive loss might be the toughest on the Steelers as Watt is arguably their most important defensive player after leading the NFL in sacks in 2020. On Sept. 9, he signed a four-year, $112 million extension, becoming the highest paid defensive player in the league. He is also predicted to be the defensive player of the year.
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Watt had the third most pressure plays by a pass rusher during Week 1 with eight. His impact eventually led the Steelers to beating the Bills. When Watt left Week 2’s game, the Steelers were up 7-6.
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