Steelers linebackers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith placed in concussion protocol

Two days after their 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers have placed outside linebacker T.J. Watt in concussion protocol.

Watt reported symptoms when he came to the team facility Friday for meetings and film study, Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said Saturday.

The NFL Network also reported that fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who left Thursday’s game in the first quarter with a neck injury, is in concussion protocol.

The Steelers don’t play again until next Saturday at Indianapolis. The players don’t have to report to UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for practice until Tuesday.

Related

• Mark Madden: Steeler should fire Mike Tomlin
• After 2nd straight upset loss, Steelers searching for ways to reverse late-season slide
• 5 things we learned: Lack of faith in running game late hurts Steelers' cause

If Watt and Highsmith are unable to play, the Steelers would be down to Markus Golden and rookie Nick Herbig as the only outside linebackers on the active roster. Kyron Johnson has been elevated twice from the practice squad but has taken snaps only on special teams.

Watt had five tackles, including one for a loss, but was held without a sack as the Steelers lost to a two-win team for the second time in as many games.

Watt was injured on the first play of the game when he was clipped under his chin by the knee of Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott. He returned after missing a few plays. Later in the first quarter, Watt began wearing a dark visor on his helmet.

Watt played 52 of 57 defensive snaps in the game, a workload increased by the departure of Highsmith in the first quarter. That put the Steelers in a bind because Golden was scratched for the first time this season. He was inactive because the Steelers wanted an extra body for special teams, and Golden is not part of those units.

Watt, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, is second in the NFL with 14 sacks.