The Steelers will likely have to wait longer for the return of their top defender. Edge rusher T.J. Watt recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor and Adam Schefter. 
Watt has been sidelined since suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the season opener. The fact that he was able to rehab the injury left him available to return at some point in the season. That time was expected to be Week 6, but this knee procedure will likely cause him to miss at least one or two more weeks.
The surgery was aimed at cleaning up an injury the reigning Defensive Player of the Year suffered during the preseason. Given the delay it will likely cause, his ability to return before the team’s Week 9 bye is now very much in doubt. To no surprise, the Steelers will be particularly cautious with respect to his rehab, per the report.
Watt has been instrumental to Pittsburgh’s success throughout his career. The team has lost all seven of the games they have played with him sidelined due to injury, including each of the last three contests in 2022. In his absence, Alex Highsmith and Malik Reed will continue to be leaned on as starters at the position, one which has contributed to the fact that Pittsburgh has only recorded three sacks since Week 1.
The Steelers’ decision to hand the role of starting quarterback to first-round rookie Kenny Pickett will be the dominant storyline tomorrow afternoon when they take on the Bills. Even if they pull off the upset and improve to 2-3, however, they will likely remain without the most important member of their defense for several weeks to come.
Mini rebuild season. No need to rush back.