Pittsburgh Steelers rookie safety Ryan Watts may require neck surgery after a season-ending injury on the final play of the team’s preseason. Following the incident, Watts was seen in a neck brace for two weeks, and although he is no longer wearing it, the risk for further complications remains.
The injury happened during a game against the Detroit Lions when Watts attempted a tackle with his head down. He lay motionless for some time before eventually walking off the field. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve, but it’s still uncertain if surgery will be necessary.
The Steelers have dealt with a similar injury before. Last year, safety Trenton Thompson suffered a neck injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Although Thompson avoided surgery, he had to undergo extensive physical therapy and was eventually released after struggling to return to form in offseason workouts.
As for Watts, even if surgery is not required—according to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now—trainers and doctors are still evaluating his condition. Regardless, his recovery is expected to be lengthy, as the injury is far more serious than the initial “stinger” diagnosis suggested.
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