JANUARY 2: The Steelers remain optimistic about Watt’s availability this weekend, though he has yet to be a full participant in practice, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. As a result, he explains, Pittsburgh is still in “wait-and-see mode” when it comes to their All-Pro edge rusher.
DECEMBER 30: The Steelers have gone three games in a row without star pass rusher T.J. Watt. With the AFC North title at stake in Week 18, Watt may return to face the Ravens on Sunday.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said he’s “optimistic about“ Watt’s “potential inclusion” in this week’s do-or-die showdown between division rivals (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports). Watt’s most recent appearance came in a 27-22 win over the Ravens in Week 14. He underwent surgery on a partially collapsed lung a few days later.
Watt suffered his injury during a dry needling session – a common treatment – at the team facility. The NFLPA quickly made contact with Watt afterward, though it’s unknown if he’ll take action against the Steelers’ medical staff.
The Steelers have been Watt’s only NFL team since he entered the league as the 30th pick in the 2017 draft. Pittsburgh signed Watt to a record-setting extension worth $123MM over three years last summer. The club awarded the former Defensive Player of the Year an eye-popping $108MM in fully guaranteed money.
Despite sitting out three games, Watt has earned his eighth straight Pro Bowl nod this season. The 31-year-old has racked up 53 tackles, 43 pressures, 18 QB hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2025. With a playoff berth on the line, Watt rejoining fellow edge rushers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig against Baltimore would be ideal for Pittsburgh. That’s especially the case if the Ravens have two-time MVP-winning quarterback Lamar Jackson, whose status is uncertain as a result of a back injury.
Backup Tyler Huntley filled in for Jackson in a 41-24 win over the Packers in Week 17. Running back Derrick Henry‘s 216-yard, four-touchdown masterclass was the driving force in keeping the Ravens’ season alive in Lambeau Field on Saturday. The Watt-less Steelers could have clinched the division and eliminated the Ravens with a win on Sunday, but they fell 13-6 to the last-place Browns. An offense missing its two best wide receivers – the suspended D.K. Metcalf and the injured Calvin Austin – couldn’t get anything going in Cleveland.
There’s a chance Austin will come back from a hamstring injury in the regular-season finale, but Metcalf and injured tight end Darnell Washington won’t be available. With a shorthanded offense, the Steelers may need a stifling defensive performance to knock out the Ravens and earn their first AFC North crown since 2020. If that’s the case, Watt’s return would boost their chances.
Both Tomlin and Harbaugh have run their course. Cleveland will be in the market, but of course; the Bengals going to keep a bad HC just not pay two staffs.
it’s embarrassing how many questions Steelers media ask about TJ at Tomlins press conference today. …like he’s the most important part of the team. THIS is why he gets unjust pro-bowls and guys like Cam get snubbed. Do better media. He’s our third best edge rusher this year
He’ll dragged his worn out body for the remainder of the contract. Bengals, Steelers, & Raiders. All spent big on older DE’s and got zero return.
I dont agree about Crosby, but you want him more healthy.
I almost hope they lose and are forced to clean house from top to bottom. Watt was a great player as was Cam. Despite broadcasters fawning over them, neither deserved extensions
But it doesn’t stop there. So much deadwood on this team that it’s mind boggling.
Thats true, but theyre still hoping Watt can play and tighten the edge without Henry going crazy.
Ravens are going to milk Jackson’s status. Alot of bettors, including myself are hesitant on trusting Huntley to cover …
@Brian wolf Raiders should have traded him for picks. Now he is older, injured, and huge cap hit. Poor management. In fact, all 3 teams should have traded their DE’s. I understand the sentiment to the players, but those contracts didn’t help any of the franchises.
He’s a bum, let’s trade him to Dallas. Stillers Defense did ok without him.
There are a lot of guys on this team who are past their prime and guys like Watt and Heyward are among them. Mistake to extend them and in Watt’s case, not sure what they’d ever get in return especially with his bloated contract
If ever a franchise needed a complete re-set, it’s this one but I won’t hold my breath.