The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed T.J. Watt in the concussion protocol, as noted by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Watt reported concussion-like symptoms on Friday, and the team later went on to place him in the protocol. He must now clear the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol in order to receive the green light to return to the field.

Watt recorded three total tackles and featured in 91 percent of snaps on defense in Pittsburgh’s 21-18 home loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday. He left the game during the early stages of the first quarter after taking an accidental knee to the head. The seventh-year linebacker went into the medical tent following the play, but he later returned to the contest with a tinted visor on his helmet.

The Steelers will return to action next Saturday with a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. It remains to be seen whether Watt will be cleared to take part in any of Pittsburgh’s three practice sessions ahead of the game.

Watt has been as reliable as could be in his seventh campaign with the Steelers. He has not missed a single game this year, and he ranks second on the team in snaps played on defense (765).

Pittsburgh is also keeping a close watch on the status of Alex Highsmith. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said during his postgame press conference on Thursday that Highsmith sustained a neck injury against the Patriots. The versatile pass rusher reportedly entered the concussion protocol on Friday.

Overall, Watt and Highsmith have combined to log 20 out of Pittsburgh’s 36 total sacks on the season.

The Steelers currently sit in third place in the AFC North standings with a 7-6 record.

Instant reaction to Steelers 21-18 loss vs. Patriots

Here is an instant analysis of the Steelers-Patriots game.