Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) in the third quarter  at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Steelers LB T.J. Watt (ankle) could play vs. Ravens this week

T.J. Watt is “walking around rather comfortably,” and that assessment gives Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reason to believe his All-Pro pass rusher will be available Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Watt left Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and underwent tests on his left ankle. He did not return to the game, but Tomlin said the tests were promising, showing no long-term injury.

“But again, he’s questionable with his ankle. We’ll see where the roads lead us,” Tomlin said.

Watt, 30, had two sacks in the game to bring his team-leading total this season to 11.5.

Watt had one sack and three total tackles in the Steelers’ 18-16 win over the Ravens on Nov. 17.

–Field Level Media

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) smiles during warm ups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald: T.J. Watt now best defensive player in NFL

Aaron Donald knows a thing or two about playing defense.

Now that he is retired, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was asked who he feels assumes the title of the best current player on that side of the ball on “The Green Light with Chris Long” podcast.

“I think it’s T.J. Watt,” Donald said. “You talk about a guy that’s consistent. Been doing it year in, year out, consistently, that’s gonna get you 15 sacks, 13 sacks, 22 sacks, consistent. He’s the guy who’s been doing it consistently, interceptions, touchdowns, His stats are ridiculous every single year. He’s that guy to me.

“I know you’ve got (Dallas’) Micah Parsons that’s coming up, you’ve got (Cleveland’s) Myles Garrett, you’ve got a bunch of good players. But in my opinion, in the time I’ve seen T.J. Watt in this league, from the first time I’ve seen him to last year, he’s consistently been dominating in this league. So a lot of respect for him.”

Watt, 29, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and is a four-time All-Pro. He led the NFL with 19 sacks this past season to go along with 68 tackles, an interception, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Donald, who announced his retirement on March 15, is an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

–Field Level Media

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (right) and his brother fullback Derek Watt (44) embrace before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Watt retires after 7 NFL seasons

Derek Watt, the middle brother in the football-playing Watt brothers trio, announced his retirement from the NFL.

A fullback, Watt was selected by the then-San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played his first four seasons with the Chargers, then joined younger brother T.J. with the Pittsburgh Steelers for three seasons. He did not play in the NFL last season.

In an lengthy statement posted, Watt said he was “just a kid from Pewaukee, WI who had the chance to live out his childhood dream of being drafted and playing in the NFL. And now, it is with great honor and gratitude that I officially announce my retirement and the end to my career … a career that ended up being about so much more than just the game that I love.”

He also thanked his parents and his two brothers, including J.J., who retired after the 2022 season. T.J. and J.J. Watt were named NFL Defensive Player of the Year — younger brother T.J. in 2021 and older brother J.J. in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

“To JJ & TJ … From playing in the backyard, to sharing a field in the NFL, this journey together has been absolutely incredible. They say if you want to be great, then you should surround yourself with greatness … You both have pushed me to be the best that I could be and it’s been so special to see all the hard work that we put in and sacrifices that we made pay off!”

Derek Watt retires after gaining 249 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns in 110 games (20 starts). He also was a presence on special teams, playing more than 60 percent of his team’s snap count in each of six seasons.

–Field Level Media

Jan 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) in the third quarter  at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Steelers’ T.J. Watt (knee) could return in 2 weeks

Pittsburgh Steelers standout pass rusher T.J. Watt suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his knee, and the best-case scenario for his return is two weeks, NFL Network reported Monday.

Seeing him on the field again this season would require the Steelers win this Sunday at Buffalo in their AFC wild-card game, to start. The Steelers are 10-point underdogs. Watt could return if the Steelers were able to advance to the AFC Championship Game, per the report.

Watt suffered the injury late in the third quarter in Saturday’s win against the Baltimore Ravens. Watt and a teammate inadvertently collided during a play, and Watt went to the ground. He was seen punching the turf in pain.

Earlier in the game, Watt recorded two sacks to reach a league-high 19 for the season. Watt, 29, is the second player in NFL history to have multiple 19-sack seasons — joining his older brother, J.J. Watt.

Watt, who also has four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries this season, is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl pick.

–Field Level Media

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers place star LB T.J. Watt in concussion protocol

All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt is in the concussion protocol, two days after his Pittsburgh Steelers lost 21-18 to the New England Patriots.

Watt was cleared to return to the game Thursday after he was injured on the first play, when he took a helmet to the chin. Later in the first quarter, a dark visor was attached to his helmet.

He made five tackles and had no sacks.

When Watt, 29, got to the team facility on Friday, he reported his symptoms and was placed in the protocol, the team said Saturday.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith also is in the protocol after leaving the game against the Patriots in the first quarter.

Watt, the NFL defensive player of the year in 2021, is a three-time All-Pro. On the season, he has 52 tackles, an interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His 14 sacks are second in the NFL, one less than Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Highsmith, 26, is in his fourth season with the Steelers. He has 49 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The Steelers (7-6) have lost two straight games. They will visit the Indianapolis Colts next Saturday in Week 15.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler (70) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) shake hands after their game at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers LB T.J. Watt (heel) misses practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers added star pass-rusher T.J. Watt to their injury report Thursday.

Watt, who practiced Wednesday, sat out Thursday due to a heel injury, bringing his availability for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Rams (3-3) into doubt.

The Steelers (3-2) are coming off a bye week, so the injury may have occurred during practice.

Watt, 29, is tied with Minnesota’s Danielle Hunter for the league lead with eight sacks. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt also has seven tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries through just five games.

The five-time Pro Bowler was limited to 10 games last year with a knee injury.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was a full participant Wednesday, only practiced in limited fashion Thursday due to an ongoing hamstring injury. Linebacker Nick Herbig (quad) was limited for the second straight day.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers LB T.J. Watt laughs off scary fall into pool

Linebacker T.J. Watt gave Pittsburgh Steelers fans a scare on social media after posting video of his dangerous-looking dip in the swimming pool.

Watt was attempting to clean his pool when he slipped off the edge and found himself briefly immersed in the water on Thursday. The five-time Pro Bowl selection quickly popped to his feet without incident, and took to social media to reveal that he’s perfectly fine.

“Warning.. The activity in this video may be dangerous… don’t try at home.. (I am completely ok),” Watt wrote.

J.J. Watt was quick to give his younger brother the business on social media.

“This is the most ‘TJ’ video I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” he wrote. “(at least this explains why you were late to clean mine today)”

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) runs off the field at half-time against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ T.J. Watt activated; Minkah Fitzpatrick (appendicitis) out Sunday

The Pittsburgh Steelers activated linebacker T.J. Watt, who missed seven games with a pectoral injury, off injured reserve on Saturday.

The defense, however, will be without fellow All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The safety is out with appendicitis.

In addition, the team placed cornerback William Jackson III (back) on injured reserve and elevated safety Elijah Riley to the active list for the game.

Watt sustained his injury in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and returned to practice on Oct. 26. He also underwent minor knee surgery while he was sidelined.

“It’s huge to finally have a helmet back on and be out there on the field, Watt told reporters Friday. “Just to feel the emotions and feel alive again in the stadium.”

Watt had a sack and interception before leaving the game in Week 1. Last season, the three-time All-Pro tied Michael Strahan (2001) for the most sacks (22.5) in a season since the stat became official in 1982.

The Steelers (2-6) can use the help on defense, especially with Fitzpatrick ruled out.

In seven games this season, Fitzpatrick has three interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — and six passes defensed along with 45 tackles.

The Steelers acquired Jackson in a trade with the Washington Commanders on Nov. 1. He has yet to play for Pittsburgh because of the back injury.

In 75 career games (64 starts) with the Cincinnati Bengals and Commanders, Jackson has 205 career tackles with five interceptions, 51 passes defensed and one sack. He returned one interception for a score.

Riley was promoted from the practice squad in Week 6 and played 13 percent of defensive snaps.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) runs off the field at half-time against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ T.J. Watt to play Sunday against Saints

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt said he will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints after missing seven games with a torn pectoral muscle.

The team opened the 21-day practice window on Watt on Oct. 26, designating him for return from injured reserve. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Watt told reporters he didn’t expect to be on a snap count for the Steelers (2-6).

Watt, 28, initially was expected to miss six weeks with the pectoral injury he suffered in the season opener, but he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month, delaying his return.

He opted to rehab the pec injury rather than have a surgical procedure that carried a recovery time of around 10-12 weeks.

Watt had a sack and interception in the season-opening win but did not finish the game. Last season, the three-time All-Pro tied Michael Strahan (2001) for the most sacks (22.5) in a season since the stat became official in 1982.

–Field Level Media

Oct 23, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) looks on from the field prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers designate T.J. Watt (pec) for return off IR

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past six games with a torn pectoral muscle.

The team opened the 21-day practice window on Watt, designating him for return from injured reserve. He’s not expected to play this week against Philadelphia but can be added to the active roster at any time.

The Steelers (2-5) have a bye in Week 9 before playing New Orleans in Week 10.

Watt initially was expected to miss six weeks with the pectoral injury he suffered in the season opener, but he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month, delaying his return.

Watt opted to rehab the pec injury, which occurred in the Week 1 win at Cincinnati, rather than have a surgical procedure that carried a recovery time of around 10-12 weeks.

Watt had a sack and interception in the season-opening win but did not finish the game. Last season, the three-time All-Pro tied Michael Strahan (2001) for the most sacks (22.5) in a season since the stat became official in 1982.

The 21-day window closed on Steelers rookie receiver Calvin Austin III on Wednesday, meaning he will remain on IR for the rest of the season.

–Field Level Media