Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt is defending the team’s handling of his recent concussion amid scrutiny. Watt took a knee to the head during last week’s loss to the Patriots, causing him to leave the game briefly.
Watt later returned after evaluation but was placed in the concussion protocol the following day, which led many to wonder why he ever returned to the game in the first place.
“I went through all the steps possible, and it felt like we did everything the right way,” Watt explained to reporters Thursday. “Got hit. Went into the tent. Got cleared. And then came in the next day and had stuff going on, so went into protocol. Then Wednesday, got cleared from protocol. Today, I feel great,” Watt continued.
Cameras caught Watt receiving smelling salts on the sideline and using a tinted visor after returning to the game, which led fans to believe that the Steelers (7–6) might have been circumventing the league’s concussion protocol. The NFL announced it was reviewing Pittsburgh’s handling of Watt’s concussion, but there’s been no official comment from the league about the situation yet.
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Watt ranks second in the NFL with 14 sacks, second only to the Chargers’ Khalil Mack (15) entering Saturday’s contest against the Colts (7–6).
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
