T.J. Watt’s fluke injury could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers ahead of division title game against Ravens
T.J. Watt and the Steelers could have an advantage that they normally don’t at this point in the season.
When T.J. Watt had his lung punctured during recovery, the immediate reaction turned to how severe this injury would be. Following his hospital stay and lung surgery, the Pittsburgh Steelers star returned to practice for the first time last week.
Then on Saturday, the NFL Network reported that Watt would be back for the Steelers next meaningful game. Well, the time has come following the embarrassing showing against the Browns on Sunday. The good news is, the Steelers should be getting back a Watt they rarely see at this point in the season.
Steelers will have a fresh T.J. Watt should he play vs. the Ravens
Nothing is official yet, but given his return to practice last week and Tom Pelissero’s report, let’s assume No. 90 is out there. Let’s also assume that he’s fully recovered from lung surgery and his condition is where it should be (a lot of assumptions, but this is Watt we’re talking about).
Well, if he does play, this will be the healthiest Watt has been since the season opener. He’s missed the last three games and will have another six days to get fully ready for a division championship game against the Steelers’ bitter rival.
That’s three fewer games of wear and tear, of tired legs, of getting bumps and bruises associated with play. The injury has given Watt time to recover the other portions of his body and make him the freshest he’s been since Week 1, in a must-win game.
Will T.J. Watt play against the Ravens?
“Everybody involved, especially T.J. Watt, has wanted to be very deliberate about his return to action. However, he practiced on a limited basis [last] week, and my understanding is Watt is expected to be available for the Steelers next meaningful game,” said Pelissero on Saturday. “If they need T.J. Watt week 18, if the AFC North is up for grabs, expect Watt to be on the field.”
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk added on “Football Night in America” that Watt should be “viewed as a longshot to play” in Week 18. He did add that the Steelers want to see him participate fully in practice, as Tracy Wolfson reported during the Browns game.
“You know, we get challenged with the attrition component all the time,” said Tomlin on Sunday via the Steelers YouTube channel. “We make no excuses regarding that. We got capable men, we adapt, adjust, and we keep moving.”
If Watt is good to go, the Steelers will be banking on more than a few big plays from their highest-paid player to get them into the dance. Because if they do, and you see the return of DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin, and Isaac Seumalo and others, then anything can happen.