_BREAKING NEWS_
Steelers’ TJ Watt Ruled Out for 2025 Season Opener Against Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that outside linebacker TJ Watt has been ruled out for the team’s 2025 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to sources within the organization, Watt suffered an injury during the team’s preseason training camp and has not been able to recover in time for the season opener.
“We’re disappointed to lose TJ for the opener, but we’re confident that he’ll be back on the field soon,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We have a deep and talented roster, and we’re excited to see our other players step up and fill the void.”
Watt, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been a key member of the Steelers’ defense since being drafted by the team in 2017. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, but the Steelers are confident that they have the depth and talent to overcome his loss.
The Steelers will face off against the Bengals in their season opener on September 7, 2025, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team will provide further updates on Watt’s status as more information becomes available.
In Watt’s absence, the Steelers will rely on other players to step up and fill the void. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is expected to start in Watt’s place, and the team is also expected to activate outside linebacker Tuzar Skipper from the practice squad.
“We have a lot of confidence in our outside linebackers, and we’re excited to see them step up and make plays,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “We’ll miss TJ, but we’re confident that we have the talent and depth to overcome his loss.”
The Steelers’ season opener against the Bengals is expected to be a highly competitive game, and the team will need to be at the top of their game to come away with a victory.
_Key Takeaways:_
– _TJ Watt ruled out for Steelers’ 2025 season opener against Bengals_
– _Watt suffered an injury during preseason training camp_
– _Steelers confident in their depth and talent to overcome Watt’s loss_
– _Alex Highsmith expected to start in Watt’s place_
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
_Reactions from around the NFL:_
– “TJ Watt is a dominant force on the Steelers’ defense, and his absence will be felt. But the Steelers have a deep and talented roster, and they’ll find a way to overcome his loss.” – NFL analyst, ESPN
– “The Steelers are taking a cautious approach with TJ Watt’s injury, and that’s the right decision. You can’t rush a player back from an injury, no matter how important they are to the team.” – NFL writer, Sports Illustrated
– “The Steelers will miss TJ Watt’s pass-rushing ability, but they have other players who can step up and fill the void. They’ll be just fine without him for the opener.” – NFL analyst, NFL Network
