T.J. Watt has returned to practice for the first time since his procedure to fix a partially collapsed lung caused by a dry needling incident on Dec. 10, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor on X.
He was first seen back at the practice facility on Dec. 18, though it could have been earlier away from cameras. Mike Tomlin has remained pretty tight lipped when it comes to any updates on his health because of the nature of the injury. The only real update we have so far came from his brother, J.J. Watt on Dec. 12 when he announced the specifics of the injury and how it happened.
The injury forced him to miss two games during a crucial stretch for the team, though they managed to win both of them against the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.
A return to practice is a positive step, but it’s no guarantee that he’ll be ready to play. I am sure they will be monitoring how his body responds when they put it through rigorous activity. This is a little trickier than a soft-tissue injury or something they are used to dealing with a rehabbing. His practice participation the rest of the week will be a good indication if he is fully back.
Mike Tomlin told the media on Tuesday he was hopeful Watt could return to practice this week and that he anticipates Watt to speak to the media this week.
The outside linebacker room was among the deepest on the Steelers’ roster this season, but Watt’s injury and a recent hamstring issue for Nick Herbig have tested the depth.
Assuming he doesn’t have any complications after his initial return, this is great news that the Steelers are getting Watt back into the lineup for the most crucial stretch of the year.
The Steelers are set to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 on the road at Huntington Bank Field in a game that could help the Steelers clinch the AFC North. We’ll see what the injury report designation is for Watt on Wednesday to open the week, but him returning to the practice field is a great sign in Watt’s recovery.