Steelers be punished for T.J. Watt’s controversial return to play
Steelers LB T.J. Watt continued to prove unstoppable in Week 14, only missing a few downs after taking a knee to the face on the first play of the game. However, his return to play has turned into a controversy with some believing the team could be penalized.
The NFL and NFLPA have been reportedly reviewing the situation as Watt reported symptoms Friday morning and is now in the concussion protocol, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Rapoport noted, however, that such a review is standard.
If Pittsburgh did try to hide Watt’s symptoms so he could finish the game, the league would likely punish the team in some way.
However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Head coach Mike Tomlin seemed completely unaware of what transpired. Tomlin told reporters he “assumes” Watt was checked for a concussion and doesn’t know much more about the process than that.
But it was Watt’s change in appearance that caught the attention of some as well. The seven-year veteran returned to the game wearing a dark visor, which he wasn’t wearing to start the game.
Why the change in visor is unknown, but Tomlin doubled down, adding he had no idea what happened with Watt on Thursday and that he didn’t even know he changed his visor.
The circumstances seem curious, but the case seems to be lacking concrete evidence of a cover up. Watt is still in the concussion protocol, which means his status for the Steelers Week 15 matchup against the Colts (7-6) is up in the air.
All in all, Pittsburgh is likely hoping the controversy just passes and it gets back its best defender come Saturday in what feels like a must-win game in a tight AFC playoff race.
