T.J. Watt Progressing Toward Return as Steelers Monitor Star Linebacker’s Recovery
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers might be getting a major piece of their defense back soon. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he’s “hopeful” T.J.
Watt could return to practice this week, though he stopped short of guaranteeing anything. That word - hopeful - carries weight, especially with a player of Watt’s caliber and the stakes this late in the season.
Watt has been sidelined since Dec. 10 after suffering a partially collapsed lung. The injury reportedly occurred following a dry needling treatment at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after a workout on a players’ off day. Watt was hospitalized and underwent a procedure to address the issue.
Since then, the All-Pro edge rusher has missed the Steelers’ last two games and has yet to participate in practice. That said, he’s been around the team - spotted at the facility late last week and present for Friday’s final practice session - a sign that his recovery is trending in the right direction.
Tomlin addressed Watt’s status during his weekly press conference, noting that while the medical side of the injury is largely behind him, the focus now shifts to football readiness.
“I think that’s a fair estimation,” Tomlin said. “But again, I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical.
I think for me, to talk about injury is one thing, to talk about medical is something else. So that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been a little bit hesitant besides my lack of expertise on the subject matter.”
In other words, Watt’s lungs may be healed, but returning to NFL game speed is a different challenge altogether. Conditioning, contact readiness, and overall fitness will dictate how soon he can suit up again. Tomlin added that he expects to get a clearer picture of Watt’s availability early in the week.
The Steelers’ defense has leaned heavily on Watt all season, and his absence has been felt. His return - whenever it comes - would be a significant boost for a team that’s still in the playoff mix and looking to solidify its postseason standing.
Watt isn’t the only player the Steelers are monitoring closely. The team's injury report is extensive, with several key contributors listed as questionable or probable heading into the week:
- RB Jaylen Warren and OL Spencer Anderson are both dealing with undisclosed injuries but are expected to be available.
- CB Brandin Echols, WR Calvin Austin III, and LG Isaac Seumalo are all listed as questionable with groin, hamstring, and triceps issues, respectively.
- OLB Nick Herbig, another edge rusher, is probable with a hamstring injury.
- CB James Pierre is questionable with a calf issue.
Meanwhile, several players remain on injured reserve, including offensive tackle Calvin Anderson (right knee), rookie LT Broderick Jones (neck), and safety DeShon Elliott (hyperextended knee). Others, like Miles Killebrew and Max Scharping, are out for the season with knee and ACL injuries, respectively.
The Steelers are navigating this critical stretch of the season with a banged-up roster, but the potential return of their defensive cornerstone could be the spark they need. Watt’s presence on the field changes the entire dynamic of Pittsburgh’s defense - not just because of his pass-rushing prowess, but because of the ripple effect he creates for everyone around him.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But if Watt can get back into game shape quickly, the Steelers’ defense might be getting a much-needed jolt at just the right time.