DECEMBER 28: There is good news on the Watt front. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link), Watt is in a “very good place” in terms of his health and is expected to play in the Steelers’ next meaningful game. If they defeat the Browns in Week 17 and clinch the AFC North as a result, Watt will sit out the regular season finale against Baltimore. If Pittsburgh loses to Cleveland, thus setting up a Week 18 bout with the Ravens for the division title and a playoff berth, Watt will suit up.
DECEMBER 27: The Steelers have ruled out Watt for Week 17. While Mike Tomlin said the Ravens’ result Saturday would affect his approach for Sunday’s Browns matchup, as the Steelers would be guaranteed the AFC North title with a Baltimore loss in Green Bay, Watt will not play regardless of outcome.
DECEMBER 24: Watt returned to practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. His participation alone is a good sign for his health and indicates that he could play again this season, though the Steelers will understandably be cautious before exposing Watt to full-contact action. Also back at practice was third-year edge rusher Nick Herbig, per Pryor, who missed Sunday’s win over the Lions with a hamstring injury,
DECEMBER 22: Steelers star T.J. Watt has missed the past two games while recovering from surgery on a partially collapsed lung. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like he’s any closer to a return.
[RELATED: Steelers’ T.J. Watt Undergoes Surgery On Partially Collapsed Lung]
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pass rusher’s return to play “remains murky and uncertain.” At the moment, Watt’s focus is solely on his recovery, with his potential return to field being considered “secondary.”
Of course, as the Steelers push for a playoff spot, Watt’s potential return will still command attention. Per Schefter, doctors will continue to monitor how Watt feels this week to determine if it’s even possible for him to suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Browns. However, the ideal path would see Watt garner “more time to recover.” The former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to make a full recovery.
Watt was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with a lung injury. It was later determined that the collapsed lung was a result of a common dry needling procedure that he underwent at the team facility. He was quickly released from the hospital, but he’s yet to take the field since his injury.
The NFLPA was subsequently in contact with the player’s camp, although it’s uncertain if they’ll take any action against the Steelers franchise. Tyrod Taylor famously suffered a punctured lung while receiving a pain-killing injection in 2020; he later sued the Chargers for medical malpractice. After Watt inked a three-year extension this past offseason that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, it’s uncertain if he would look to take such a drastic stance against the franchise.
While the off-the-field narrative is worth watching, the Steelers are currently focused on their on-the-field product. Despite Watt being out of the lineup, the Steelers have won each of their past two games to take a two-game lead in the AFC North. A Watt-less defense would surely impact the team’s ability to make noise in the playoffs, but the Steelers can rest easy about their postseason chances regardless of the pass rusher’s status.
“…team’s ability to make noice in the playoffs.”
Exactly what part of NYC is Ben from?
Probably not Kleindeutschland…lol.
They’ve been better without him
I hope Watt is well enough to play soon. But I admit that Sawyer sure looked good out there if he isn’t
Great re-up signing!
Watt is following the career trajectory of his brother. Great early and injuries and production fall off drastically in his late 20’s. Terrible contract
If Baltimore loses saturday night, the Steelers will rest players besides Watt, in the final week. They will need him for a showdown with the Texans, Chargers or Buffalo in the WC round.
If Baltimore loses Saturday night, Pittsburgh shouldn’t play any of their key starters against Cleveland or next week.
I think Tomlin still wants to beat the Browns and get 10 wins.
It’s a great headline, I’ll admit that. After all, he’s been so meaningless in meaningful games
Is today not a “meaningful” game? If the Steelers win, they win the division. If he’s healthy enough to play, why chance losing to the Browns?
Uhh I’d say this is the most meaningful game of the year to this point.
I have to say that if they lose this one, and Harbaugh has awakened from his coma to use Henry properly, they’re gonna have some real problems.
Agree with you