Ryan Watts, a rookie safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is still recovering from a neck injury that ended his season in the team’s last preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Following his injuries, Watts spent some time wearing a neck brace. He shared a photo of himself wearing a neck brace in a hospital bed on Friday, stating that it had been one of the hardest years of his life.
In the final preseason game, Ryan Watts, a rookie sixth-round pick for the Steelers, had a serious and frightening neck injury. After spending his whole first season on injured reserve, it appears that he recently underwent surgery.tweet.com/ddQcNw9SyK
It’s unknown if Watts’ operation was performed recently or shortly after the incident. It is unclear whether this operation was recent because Watts engaged in side-line athletic activities throughout the final several months of the season.
Watts sustained that injury when he was hit in the head by a knee close to the game’s last play. Watts was diagnosed with a stinger following the play. Watts was still awaiting medical clearance as of November, though.
In order to learn as much as I can, I’m going to do what (rehab) I can here so that I may stay with the team, continue to watch practices, and continue to attend meetings.Watts told Tribune-Review reporter Chris Adamski. I’ll be prepared to leave as soon as the doctors give me the all-clear.
Watts went on to say that the doctors are trying to get him cleared as quickly as possible, but he acknowledged that he had no idea when that would be. He simply said that he would return before the team’s 2025 opening game.
The Steelers dealt with safety Trenton Thompson’s neck injury this offseason, which can be problematic. Thompson lost the majority of his offseason and was sidelined for the season after a player landed on his neck. Watts anticipates returning to work in the off-season.
More Pittsburgh Steelers News