A pair of Pittsburgh Steelers defenders had their rookie seasons come to an end on Tuesday, as they were placed on injured reserve.
Defensive back Ryan Watts, a seventh-round pick, suffered a neck injury (stinger) in the Steelers preseason finale against the Lions. Julius Welschof, who joined the Steelers via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, sustained a knee injury in the same game.
Watts’ injury produced a frightening moment as he lay face down on the field for several minutes. Eventually, he could get up and walk off under his own power.
Also on injured reserve are outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon and offensive tackle Dylan Cook, but both are designated to return (four games).
Moon, an undrafted free agent, spent the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 12 tackles and two forced fumbles in eight appearances.
Rookie DB Ryan Watts’ injury much worse than feared. He is out for the year.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) August 27, 2024
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