Steelers LB T.J. Watt has been out for nearly a month after suffering a partially punctured lung, but appears set to return for Week 18. When talking to reporters on Friday, Watt said he is “excited to play.”
“I feel really good. Not sure that I could’ve said that a week ago. … I’m excited to play,” Watt said, via Brooke Pryor.
His return couldn’t come at a more critical time, with Pittsburgh set to face the Ravens in a game that will determine the fate of the AFC North.
Earlier this week, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said he was optimistic about Watt’s status for the season finale.
Tomlin added “[I’m] more optimistic this week than I have been in previous weeks,” and noted his practice participation this week will determine if he can go. He’s been out since Week 14 following surgery on a collapsed lung.
Watt had a dry needling treatment to alleviate general soreness. Following a treatment, Watt was left in extreme pain and was quickly sent to the hospital, where he had a collapsed lung surgically repaired.
Watt, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Steelers back in 2017. He played out his four-year, $9.258 million contract and made a base salary of $1.72 million in 2020.
Pittsburgh exercised Watt’s fifth-year option for $10.089 million in 2021. He then signed a four-year extension worth over $112 million with the Steelers that included $80 million fully guaranteed at signing. Watt signed another three-year, $123 million extension with Pittsburgh this offseason.
In 2025, Watt has appeared in 13 games for the Steelers and recorded 53 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, seven passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
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