PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time in two weeks after a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling treatment after the team’s win over the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers All-Pro pass rusher could return as early as this week if the team gives him the green light to play. Head coach Mike Tomlin was uncertain if Watt would return this week yesterday.
“No new update on T.J.,” Tomlin said. “I’m sure he’s been in the building… to talk about injury is one thing. To talk about medical is another.”
The Steelers could use Watt, as his replacement Nick Herbig is battling a hamstring strain. That hamstring injury is one Herbig is fighting through, and he did practice on Friday, but he was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Lions. Still, Tomlin is also optimistic that Herbig will be able to return this week against the Browns.
Watt, however, could see some much needed rest for the regular season if the Steelers can clinch the AFC North this weekend with a Ravens loss or win over the Browns.
Still, the fact that Watt is back on the practice field is a good sign that he will be available to the Steelers soon, whether they need him for a play-in game against the Ravens next week or the playoffs in three weeks.