The Steelers began their preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, working on Christmas Eve at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

The health of linebacker T.J. Watt is once again on everyone’s mind.

Coach Mike Tomlin had no update on Watt during his weekly press conference, after Watt missed the last two games due to a lung issue. He did say he is ‘hopeful’ that he will be back at practice this week. And his hopes can true as Watt was on the field on Wednesday in a limited capacity..

“No new update on T.J.,” said Tomlin. “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.

“I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical. 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.”

Also on the injury front, Tomlin talked about the status of multiple players, some like cornerback James Pierre, who has missed time recently, to those who were injured against the Lions.

“James Pierre worked out (Tuesday),” said Tomlin. “We’ll see where that leads us. I’m sure he’ll be limited and we’ll follow his progress throughout the week.

“(Isaac) Seumalo, no update there.

“Nick Herbig is looking optimistic in terms of game availability. He will be limited in the early portions of the week.

“Some in-game things that happened. Brandin Echols with his groin. I don’t know where that is. Certainly hopeful. We are certainly thin in the secondary, but that’s life this time of year. We’ll see where his participation might pick up as we push through the week and thus his availability.

“Jaylen Warren should be limited at the early portions of the week.

“Spencer Anderson, likewise, but we’re optimistic that both guys will be available to us.

“As always, we’ll do what’s appropriate in terms of working hard and smart in an effort to get those guys and others to the stadium ready mentally and certainly in the best physical shape we can get them in in an effort to do so.”

The full injury and practice report is below.