Steelers' Watt in concussion protocol

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is in the concussion protocol, team spokesperson Burt Lauten said Saturday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

Watt experienced symptoms Friday morning following the team's 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night. He left the game on the first play after taking a knee to the face from Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott.

TJ Watt took an Ezekiel Elliot knee to the head and is now in the Steelers medical tent pic.twitter.com/lMGl4FOYvb

- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 8, 2023

Watt returned wearing a tinted visor after the team's medical staff evaluated him. He was on the field for 91% of the Steelers' defensive snaps in the contest, racking up five tackles with zero sacks.

Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith is also in the concussion protocol after leaving Thursday's game with a neck injury. He didn't return to the contest.

Both players have a week to clear protocol before the team's game Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

Watt has played in all 13 games this season, totaling 52 tackles and 14 sacks.

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