TJ Watt enters concussion protocol after sickening knee to the head in the first quarter of Thursday’s Steelers loss to Patriots – despite returning and playing most of the game for his team
- TJ Watt reported Friday morning that he felt the impact of the hit on the Steelers
- A concussion expert said it was a scandal that the 29-year-old Watt was allowed to play on
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Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt has entered the concussion protocol after playing from a sickening knee to the head in Thursday night's loss to the Patriots, with a concussion expert labeling the situation “a scandal.”
Watt was hurt on the first play of Thursday's game – running back Ezekiel Elliott hit him with his knee as Watt dove toward him at the end of his run.
The 29-year-old Watt left the field for a number of snaps, but ultimately returned for his team in the first quarter and had played 90% of the defensive snaps by the end of the game.
According to the Steelers, Watt reported symptoms Friday morning and will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before returning to action. Watt did not speak to any media after the match with some suggestions it was due to a migraine.
The Steelers next play the Colts on Saturday, December 16. But the incident will require some explaining as Watt returned to the field with a tinted visor to play in the game.
TJ Watt took a sickening knee to the head early in Thursday night's Steelers game
Watt (left, below) has since entered the concussion protocol following the shocking scenes
Scandal: TJ Watt ended the game after this huge blow to the head.
He added a visor later in the game (light sensitivity?)
He did not do an interview after the match due to a “migraine”.
Now we hear that he is in the #concussion protocol.
How are we missing this in 2023? pic.twitter.com/FphoaMLata– Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 9, 2023
TJ Watt suffered a concussion during this play.
Instead of sitting out the rest of the game, he put on a tinted visor and kept playing.
Why hasn't this been reviewed?
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) December 9, 2023
Concussion expert Chris Nowinski was outraged by the news, writing on X: Scandal: TJ Watt ended the game after this huge blow to the head.
“He added a crosshair (light sensitivity?) later in the game. He didn't do a post-game interview due to a “migraine.” Now we learn he is in the #concussion protocol. How can we miss this in 2023?'
Last season, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was embroiled in a concussion debate that spanned most of the season.
He first appeared to have a concussion after a September game against the Bills and looked unsteady as he got back to his feet after taking a hit, but no concussion was diagnosed.
But days later he had to be carted off and taken straight to hospital in disturbing scenes after the back of his head hit the ground as he was tackled in the following match. four days later on Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He was then officially diagnosed with a concussion and on Christmas Day he suffered a third scare when he was hit hard against the Green Bay Packers.
Tagovailoa was out for about a month before returning and was even asked if he would retire.