'Door is open' for Steelers star OLB T.J. Watt to play against Bengals

Watt suffered a groin injury in a 26-17 Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the All-Pro edge rusher had the chance to play in Week 3. 

Watt has emerged as one of the NFL's best outside linebackers since being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft. He recorded a career-high 15 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, seven passes defensed, 53 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss and 41 quarterback hits last season.

The three-time Pro Bowler signed a five-year, $112 million contract earlier this month, making him the NFL's highest-paid defensive player. 

That deal already appears to be well worth the money for Pittsburgh. In two games this season, Watt has three sacks, two forced fumbles, seven tackles, one tackle for a loss and six quarterback hits. 

If Watt is unable to play this weekend, Melvin Ingram III and Jamir Jones will see more playing time. Ingram signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in July after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones signed with the Steelers in April after going undrafted in 2020.