The Pittsburgh Steelers have designated two players for injured reserve ahead of Tuesday’s roster cut deadline, effectively ending their seasons. LB Julius Welschof (knee) and rookie DB Ryan Watts (stinger) received those designations.
The team used their two IR designations for return on OL Dylan Cook and LB Jeremiah Moon. They also placed LB Cole Holcomb on the PUP list, which means he will miss at least the first four weeks of the season.
Watts’ designation was a bit of a surprise in particular, as HC Mike Tomlin announced that he was dealing with a “stinger” suffered in Week 3’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions, and it didn’t initially sound like a season-ending injury.