CINCINNATI -- The Steelers won a thriller in overtime, defeating the Bengals, 23-20, in overtime to start their 2022 season in style.
However, the victory came with a price.
Late in the fourth quarter, T.J. Watt exited with a left pectoral injury while trying to rush Joe Burrow. The Bengals' quarterback was able to avoid the sack, and then Watt immediately came off the field in pain:
Watt went straight to the locker room, and was later ruled out by the team. But, as he was walking off the field, it looked like Watt was saying, "I tore my pec."
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers believe Watt tore his pec and is scheduled to undergo scans Monday to confirm the diagnosis.
"That's the tough part of this business, injuries and things like that," Malik Reed said. It's tough to see guys of that caliber go down to injuries. I'm sending prayers up for him."
If Watt has a significant tear in his pec, there's a good chance he'll miss the remainder of the season. Either way, he'll likely miss multiple games, and that's obviously a huge blow to this defense. Watt is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and even with the addition of Reed just prior to the season, there is no making up for what he brings to the field.
"He's a leader. He's the Defensive Player of the Year," Cam Heyward said of Watt. "However long it takes, other guys have got to step up."
In addition to Watt, Najee Harris was ruled out of Sunday's game with a left foot/ankle injury. At the conclusion of the game, Harris walked off the field with a slight limp, but was really favoring it in the locker room.
Harris' prognosis isn't quite as bleak as Watt's just yet. However, Harris did miss a significant portion of training camp and two preseason games with a Lisfranc sprain, so there is obvious concern for his long-term health.
Jaylen Warren is next in line if Harris can't go in the Steelers' home opener next week against the Patriots.
Mason Cole (ankle), Robert Spillane (eye) and Levi Wallace (ankle) sustained injuries, as well. Cole was not mentioned in postgame by Mike Tomlin, which is a good sign for the offensive line. He was deemed questionable to return when he exited the game.
