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The Doctor Is In: Watt’s Groin Injury Not Related To Missed Practice Time

Most Steelers fans followed the preseason drama around rock star OLB TJ Watt’s contract extension by chewing their fingernails until they were gone. But for those who missed it, here’s a quick recap:

  • TJ Watt was entering the final year of his contract
  • The Steelers wanted to lock up the All Pro, Pro Bowl, AFC Defensive Player of the Year 2020 to a long-term contract
  • Watt wanted to stay in Pittsburgh
  • Watt attended team meetings and practice every day but was essentially staging a “hold in” – showing up every day as required by his contract but not participating in team or group drills in order to avoid injury prior to cutting a deal
  • The Steelers have a long history of not carrying on contract negotiations during the regular season, and the Week 1 Sunday kickoff was looming as a deadline.