For anyone who watched the Steelers host the New England Patriots on Thursday night and saw the first play from scrimmage something was “off”.

After T.J. Watt took a knee to the face from Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott, he was visibly dazed and was evaluated on the sideline. Watt returned to the game, and finished the contest.

Later in the game, Alex Highsmith left the game with what was labeled a “neck injury”. Fast forward to Friday, and Highsmith was entered into the NFL’s concussion protocol.

This per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

#Steelers standout pass-rusher Alex Highsmith has entered the NFL's concussion protocol following last night's game, sources say. He has more time to clear before their next game with the mini-bye.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2023

Saturday morning, it was announced Highsmith wasn’t the only Steelers OLB to be in the concussion protocol. After reporting symptoms Friday at the team facility, T.J. Watt is also now in the NFL’s protocol.

This per Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

T.J. Watt was experiencing symptoms and now has been placed in concussion protocol, per Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 9, 2023

The Steelers now have roughly one week for Highsmith and/or Watt to potentially clear protocol and play next Saturday in Indianapolis. It isn’t unheard of, but will likely come down to the proverbial wire.

If Watt or Highsmith can’t play, pass rushing duties would fall on the shoulders of Nick Herbig and Markus Golden.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 on Saturday.