Steelers place star LB T.J. Watt on injured reserve

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after an interception with safety Tre Norwood (21) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after an interception with safety Tre Norwood (21) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

 
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers placed star outside linebacker T.J. Watt on injured reserve Thursday, meaning he will miss a minimum of four games while recovering from a left pectoral injury.

The Steelers already had ruled Watt out for Sunday’s visit by New England. The NFL’s reigning defensive player of the year sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of last week’s overtime victory against Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that Watt’s injury wasn’t as bad as initially feared. Watt received multiple opinions during the week and does not need surgery, which opened the door for him to return at some point this season.

The Steelers filled Watt’s spot on the 53-man roster by signing David Anenih off Tennessee’s practice squad. Anenih spent training camp with the Titans after being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Houston. Tennessee waived Anenih before signing him to the practice squad.

Anenih collected 20 1/2 sacks in four seasons with the Cougars.

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