Steelers Defender Undergoes Surgery After Scary Neck Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back shared an update on social media.

Aug 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ryan Watts (29) walks off the field after being injured against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Ryan Watts spent the entire 2024 campaign on Injured Reserve after suffering a neck injury during the team's final preseason game. The seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was optimistic to make the 53-man roster in his first season, but is now on the road to recovery following sugery.

Watts shared on social media that he underwent surgery following a year of rehabbing the injury. At the time, it was labeled a "stinger," but the injury kept him sidelined throughout the year, working with trainers and seen for much of the season with a neck brace on inside the facility.

"This has easily been one of the hardest years of my life," Watts wrote. "Through serious injury and all I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM. Road to recovery..."

Steelers rookie sixth-rounder Ryan Watts sustained a significant, scary neck injury in the final preseason game. Looks like he got surgery recently after spending his entire first season on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/ddQcNw9SyK
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) January 25, 2025

It's unknown what the surgery was or what the timeline looks like for Watts' recovery. The now second-year defensive back out of Texas is viewed as a backup option at safety in his sophomore season, if healthy. However, neck injuries are some of the most serious and career-threatening in the NFL.

If Watts does return in 2025, he'll compete with whoever the team brings in for a depth role behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. But as mentioned, Watts was turning heads during training camp last summer, and should be considered a real candidate for the role in his first season on the field.

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