Pittsburgh Steelers star outside linebacker T.J. Watt is likely to return from a three-game absence to play in Sunday night’s game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens that will determine the AFC North championship at Acrisure Stadium.
During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he is “optimistic” about Watt’s chances of playing. Watt underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung earlier this month.
The Steelers (9-7) must beat or tie the Ravens (8-8) to advance to the playoffs. The Steelers would be eliminated with a loss.
Tomlin would not commit to how much Watt might play if given clearance to return to action. Watt has been on the field for 82 percent of the Steelers’ defensive snaps in the 13 games he has played this season.
“We want to be cautious about how we work him back into the fold,” Tomlin said. “Certainly, he’s done appropriate things in that area as well. I’m open to using him in any way that is appropriate relative to his availability.”
Watt, a four-time All-Pro, would likely not be active for Sunday’s game unless he takes part in at least one practice. Watt last played on Dec. 7 when the Steelers defeated the Ravens 27-22 in Baltimore.
“Practice participation would be more comforting in terms of making a decision given he’s coming back from a medical circumstance,” Tomlin said.
While Watt hasn’t been able to practice in recent weeks, Tomlin isn’t worried about his conditioning. Watt missed almost all of training camp in 2021 because of a contract dispute, then went on win NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and tie the league’s single-season sacks record with 22 ½.
“I doubt that T.J. is ever out of football shape or conditioning over the course of a 12-month calendar,” Tomlin said. “I just know how he lives his life and how he prepares and how thoughtful he is in terms of what he puts in his body and how he trains. And, so, I don’t imagine that component being a major concern.”
The only Steelers player who has been ruled out for Sunday is tight end Darnell Washington. He sustained a broken arm in last Sunday’s loss to Cleveland and underwent surgery.