Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) was once again a limited participant at Thursday’s practice.
Watt has missed the last three games after suffering a partially collapsed lung on Dec. 10. The All-Pro was limited for all three practices last week and the first two practices of this week.
Watt’s injury reportedly followed him undergoing a dry needling procedure at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after a workout on a players’ off day. He was quickly hospitalized and had a procedure to correct the injury.
“I’m more optimistic this week than I’ve been in previous weeks,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday about Watt’s status for Sunday night’s winner-take-all Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Tomlin said that full practice participation in practice this week for Watt “would be more comforting,” but didn’t call it a necessity. Tomlin also said that he would consider playing him, even if he could only have a limited role.
Tomlin added that they’re treating Watt’s condition differently than an injury situation, as it’s a medical circumstance. Watt was a limited participant in all three practices last week.
“I doubt that T.J. is ever out of football shape over the course of a 12-month calendar,” Tomlin said. “I know how he lives his life, how he prepares, how thoughtful he is in terms of what he puts in his body and how he trains. I don’t imagine that component being a major concern.”
Watt has not spoken publicly since the incident, with his brother, CBS Sports analyst J.J. Watt releasing a statement about his injury on Dec. 12.
Tomlin said last Tuesday that Watt is largely recovered from the procedure, and now his readiness will be about his ability to get back into game shape after the lung injury.
“I think that’s a fair estimation, but again, I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical,” Tomlin said. “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. … I’m sure he’s been in the building, but I’ll gain further information about his potential participation at the early portions of the week and where that might lead.”
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was fairly definitive that Watt will play on Sunday night. It’s uncertain how much he will play, though.
“It’ll be great to have him back” Austin said. “In what capacity? We’ll find out, but not ’til Sunday.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: T.J. Watt Remains Limited, Status vs. Ravens Still Uncertain
