Steelers’ T.J. Watt has groin injury, leaves game vs. Raiders

All Pro Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt left Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders because of a groin injury and did not return.

Watt, who less than two weeks ago signed a nine-figure contract extension with $80 million in guarantees, played most of the first half of the Steelers’ home opener Sunday. He had four tackles and forced a fumble during a first-quarter sack. But as the Raiders’ final possession of the first half wound down, Watt was on the sidelines with no helmet.

When the second half began, he was in street clothes. After initially terming his return to the game as “questionable,” Watt was officially ruled “out” at that point.

“Anytime you lose the best player on defense in football, in the NFL, there’s gonna be a drop-off,” inside linebacker Robert Spillane said. “There’s nobody like T.J. Watt. Melvin (Ingram) and Alex (Highsmith) are two very high-end outside linebackers who do a good job of getting consistent pass rush.”

A reigning two-time finalist for NFL defensive player of the year, Watt had two sacks while playing more than 80% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps in their season-opening win at the Buffalo Bills last week. This followed a training camp in which he did not take part in any team drills while he and the Steelers ironed out their four-year contract extension.

Even with no Watt, the Steelers have two starting-capable players to man their outside linebacker spots in veteran Ingram and second-year Highsmith. First-year player Jamir Jones becomes the top backup at the position.

The Steelers played the second half against the Raiders without four starters on defense who’d contributed to their win at Buffalo. Cornerback Joe Haden and inside linebacker Devin Bush each did not dress because of groin injuries. Then, defensive lineman Tyson Alualu left Sunday’s game during the first quarter because of an ankle injury.

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