Report: Watt not believed to require pec surgery, could return in October

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt's pectoral injury is not believed to be season-ending and he will not require surgery, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

Watt, who is still gathering additional opinions, could return before the end of October, Pelissero adds. He tore a pectoral muscle but did not tear the tendon, according to Rapoport, and the injury needs about six weeks of rehab.

On Tuesday, Watt appeared to confirm via Twitter that he'll return this season.

The star pass-rusher was hurt during the Steelers' Week 1 overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Watt favored his pectoral area as he walked off the field and seemed to indicate that the injury was major.

Watt notched one sack and interception in the win over the Bengals before the injury. His sack was one of seven that the Steelers recorded in the contest. Alex Highsmith led the team with three sacks in Week 1.

Malik Reed will likely assume Watt's role until the latter returns from injury. The team acquired Reed in a trade with the Denver Broncos in August.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Watt tied the NFL record with 22.5 sacks last season. It was his second straight year leading the league in the category after posting 15 sacks in 2020.