Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Ryan Watts remains on the path to recovery after being sidelined for the entire 2024 season due to a significant neck injury sustained during the final preseason game. The seventh-round draft pick underwent surgery following a challenging rehabilitation year. Initially classified as a "stinger," the injury prevented him from participating in any games, and he was frequently seen wearing a neck brace while working with trainers. Despite the setbacks, Watts expressed a positive outlook on social media, stating, "This has easily been one of the hardest years of my life, but I will remain optimistic because I can do ALL things through HIM." The specifics of his surgery and recovery timeline remain unclear, but as he enters his second year, Watts is anticipated as a potential backup safety, competing for a position behind established players Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott if he returns to health.