A day removed from the game, however, there is a more upbeat tone surrounding the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reports there is optimism in Pittsburgh on Monday that Watt did not experience a full tear and will be able to return after sitting out a month or so. On Monday night, NFL Media reported that Watt is believed not to need surgery and could potentially return before the end of October, depending on how quickly the injury heals. Of course, further testing will determine the full extent of the injury and a clearer timeline, but this is far more encouraging news than how ominous things looked immediately after Sunday. Before leaving with an injury, Watt was his typical dominant self, tallying six tackles (three for a loss), a fumble and an interception as Pittsburgh’s defense did a good job against Joe Burrow. The Bengals quarterback was sacked a total of seven times and forced four interceptions and one fumble. Watt is coming off a 2021 season where he tied the single-season sack record with 22.5. “Having TJ out there definitely benefits us,” Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward said of Watt’s impact after Sunday’s win. “He’s a leader. He’s the Defensive Player of the Year. Whatever it takes, other guys have to step up. Alex [Highsmith] went up pretty well today. Malik and Jamir [Jones] they come together. We had to do some different things out there. We’re rallying around him and when he comes back, we’ll be ready.” Next month, the Steelers are set to host the Patriots in Week 2, visit the Browns in Week 3, play the Jets at Acrisure Stadium in Week 4 and face the Bills in Buffalo in Week 5. If Watt sits out for just a month away, that could be the window of games he misses with a return against the Buccaneers in Week 6 on Oct. 16 as a possible return date. Again, a clearer timetable for his potential return and a true measure of the severity of the injury should emerge in the coming days.
