T.J. Watt defends Steelers’ management of his recent concussion amid criticism after taking hit in Patriots game

T.J. Watt went through concussion protocol following the Steelers' loss against the Patriots.

T.J. Watt defends Steelers’ management of his recent concussion amid criticism after taking hit in Patriots game

T.J. Watt (Via Imago)

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a brutal loss against the struggling New England Patriots in their week 14 matchup. Furthermore, their star outside linebacker T.J. Watt also suffered a brutal hit during the game, but he kept playing. The next day, Watt entered the concussion protocol, leading the fans to believe the Steelers allowed their linebacker to play the game with a concussion.

As a result, the Pittsburgh-based football team caught massive heat on social media from the fans. However, now, the star linebacker has defended his team’s handling of his concussion. He said that he was cleared to play in the game after he had procedures in the tent.

I went through all the steps possible, and it felt like we did everything the right way. Got hit. Went into the tent. Got cleared.
Watt told reporters on Thursday

However, when he showed symptoms of concussion the next day, he was evaluated again and was placed in the concussion protocol. He further revealed that he got cleared from the protocol on Wednesday and he feels great now.

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Came in the next day and had stuff going on, so went into protocol. Then Wednesday, got cleared from protocol. Today, I feel great,” Watt continued.
Watt said

Watt took a heavy hit on the head from the knee of the Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott. Fans began to wonder if the Steelers linebacker was playing with concussion after seeing him smell salt and playing with visors on his helmet after returning from the tent. T.J. Watt only missed a brief period after he got hit in the head.

Mike Tomlin doesn’t know whether T.J. Watt was evaluated from concussion

The Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt’s concussion saga became a big story among football fans. Watt said he went into the tent where he was cleared to play, but head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t clearly know whether he was evaluated.

T.J. Watt Steelers
TJ Watt (Image via SI)

Tomlin told reporters on Monday that he assumes that T.J. Watt was evaluated, but he was focused on the game and let the medical experts take care of injury issues.

I assume that he was. But again, I'm managing the game. I leave that to the medical experts. 
Tomlin said

NFL has announced that they will review the Steelers’ handling of Watt’s concussion. Nonetheless, Watt has been cleared to play in the Steelers’ crucial week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts. He will look to help his team lead a victory against the Colts on Saturday.

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