T.J. Watt’s return to Steelers delayed resulting from knee surgical procedure, sources say

T.J. Watt just lately underwent arthroscopic knee surgical procedure that’s anticipated to delay his return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources advised ESPN.

Watt, who already was recovering from a torn pectoral muscle, had the knee surgical procedure to wash up a preseason damage that lingered into the common season, in line with sources. The star cross rusher initially was anticipated to overlook six weeks due to the pectoral damage suffered in Pittsburgh’s season opener, establishing a possible return on Oct. 30 towards the Eagles.

However the knee surgical procedure seemingly will push again Watt’s return by at the least one other week or two, in line with sources, that means the reigning NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr now won’t return till after the Steelers’ bye in Week 9. Pittsburgh hosts the Saints in Week 10 earlier than a Week 11 street recreation towards the Colts on Monday Evening Soccer.

The Steelers is not going to rush Watt again and can be diligent in monitoring how each his knee and pectoral muscle reply. The staff, nevertheless, now not is relying on Watt to return earlier than their bye week, in line with sources.

Watt’s arthroscopic knee surgical procedure got here throughout the identical week that his brother, Cardinals defensive finish J.J. Watt, went into atrial fibrillation and his coronary heart needed to be shocked again into its regular rhythm. The elder Watt ended up taking part in three days after his coronary heart process, registering three tackles and two deflected passes final Sunday throughout Arizona’s victory over the Panthers.

The Steelers have struggled with out Watt, a cornerstone of their protection, recording solely three sacks throughout his absence over their final three video games. Since Watt’s rookie season in 2017, the Steelers are 0-7 when he would not play — together with 0-3 this 12 months as they head into Sunday’s recreation in Buffalo towards the Payments.