Tag: Watt

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt feeling good entering playoffs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt played 43 defensive snaps last week in his return from lung surgery.

He had missed three straight games and pushed his rehab to return to play in the 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens that saw the Steelers win the AFC North and earn a playoff spot.

Now everything feels better to Watt. Two days before Monday’s wild-card contest against the visiting Houston Texans, he has more energy and is in better shape as the Steelers take aim at halting their six-game playoff losing streak.

“I feel great,” Watt said Saturday. “Really confident with how last week went. Body feels really good. Extra day is really helpful, obviously for a lot of guys in this locker room. I’m just excited to go out and play in front of Steelers Nation again.”

Watt, 31, was injured in a freak manner as a “dry needling” treatment intended to aid muscle recovery didn’t go well and left Watt with a partially collapsed lung.

There was no telling how Watt would hold up against Baltimore but he played in 83% of the defensive snaps. He didn’t record any sacks but he intercepted a pass and made two tackles.

“I’m not surprised at anything I get from T.J.,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin told reporters. “I know the way the guy is always in shape.

“He had a setback, but it wasn’t one of those things where you worry about him getting so far out of shape or so weak that he wouldn’t be able to work. So, it was good to get 43 snaps out of him.”

Watt had 55 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 14 regular-season games while earning his eighth straight Pro Bowl berth. He was the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Pittsburgh is good health-wise entering the contest against the Texans.

Defensive tackle Isaiahh Lowdermilk (ankle) is listed as questionable and could be activated off injured reserve before Monday’s game. Lowdermilk, who was injured in Week 2, is the lone Pittsburgh player with an injury designation.

“It’s what I was shooting for,” said Loudermilk of being injured nearly four months ago. “When it first happened, we weren’t sure if there would be a shot. But they said there was a shot so I knew I had to work as hard as I can to try to make it back for this.”

Houston also is in good shape from a health standpoint. Running back Jawhar Jordan (ankle) didn’t practice all week and was ruled out while safety Jaylen Reed (forearm) and cornerback Ajani Carter (hamstring) are both questionable.

–Field Level Media

Steelers LBs T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig practice again Friday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt participated in practice all week, leaving the decision of whether to play him Sunday at Cleveland in the hands of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Watt and Nick Herbig were on the field Friday for the third consecutive day.

But Watt was not made available for his usual Friday media session, a possible indication he’s not fully cleared to play this week.

Watt, 31, hasn’t played in the past two games after sustaining a partially collapsed lung while undergoing a dry needling treatment on Dec. 10 that was intended to stimulate muscle recovery. He had surgery the following day to stabilize and repair the lung.

He has seven sacks in 13 games in 2025.

With Watt out and Herbig fighting a hamstring injury, Tomlin said the team trusts Jack Sawyer will be ready to go if needed after he stepped up the past two weeks.

“Love the work that Jack gave us,” Tomlin said. “Certainly, love the work that Alex Highsmith gave us, although we anticipated it from him. But (Jeremiah) Moon as well. Schematically and strategically, you don’t replace T.J. and Herbig. We understood that.”

If the Steelers clinch a playoff berth on Saturday night by virtue of the Green Bay Packers beating the Baltimore Ravens, Watt and several others could be held out Sunday afternoon at Cleveland.

If the Ravens win at Green Bay, the Week 18 finale between AFC North rivals in Pittsburgh decides the division.

Tomlin said the questions with Watt are not football-related but “medical” in nature, limiting his insight on the matter. From a strictly football standpoint, Tomlin said Watt appears to be fully healed.

–Field Level Media

Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers won’t play Aaron Rodgers, T.J. Watt in preseason opener

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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and outside linebacker T.J. Watt are among the players who will sit out the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener against the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night.

Rodgers had expressed a willingness to play in the contest but head coach Mike Tomlin decided his services weren’t needed.

Watt and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward are among the defensive players who won’t suit up. Offseason acquisition DK Metcalf, a receiver, also won’t play.

“It has nothing to do with injury,” Tomlin said on Thursday. “They need less runway to take off, to be quite honest with you, because of their experience and where they are in their careers. Oftentimes, I preserve them through this process while providing more opportunity for those that need more preparation, or more opportunity to display their talents and so forth.”

With Rodgers sitting out and rookie Will Howard breaking a finger on Tuesday, the majority of the quarterback duties will be split by Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Pittsburgh also signed journeyman Logan Woodside on Thursday, and Tomlin said he could possibly see action.

Howard is expected to avoid undergoing surgery on the finger.

Rodgers said he felt bad for Howard, a sixth-round pick who helped lead Ohio State to last season’s national championship.

“It (stinks) for him for sure … because he’s had such a nice camp as a young player and then watching him in minicamp and just seeing his, you know, command of the offense,” said Rodgers, who has been mentoring the youngster.

“But this year is a growth year for him. It’s a year to watch and learn and obviously better himself. This (should) just be a minor setback for him.”

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Heyward is wanting his contract restructured after the recent rise in defensive player salaries. For example, Watt recently became the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL history with a three-year, $123 million salary ($41 million annual average salary).

Heyward, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is beginning a two-year, $29 million extension this season. He’s entering his 15th NFL season, all with Pittsburgh.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Report: T.J. Watt skipping Steelers’ mandatory minicamp

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt is not attending this week’s mandatory minicamp amid contract negotiations, according to multiple reports.

The All-Pro outside linebacker, who is entering the final year of his current deal, was also a no-show for voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason.

Watt, 30, would be subject to more than $104,000 in fines if he misses all three days of the minicamp. The NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement permits daily fines if players are absent from mandatory offseason activities and practices without team approval.

The market for elite pass rushers has accelerated since 2021, when Watt signed a five-year, $112 million contract with $80 million guaranteed.

In March, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million deal with $123.5 million guaranteed. It was the richest deal in NFL history for a non-quarterback.

Watt was selected to the Pro Bowl each of the past seven years, and he made first-time All-Pro in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. He was the NFL’s 2021 Defensive Player of the Year after tallying a career-high 22.5 sacks.

In 2024, Watt led the NFL with six forced fumbles while logging 11.5 sacks, 61 tackles, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries in 17 games.

Over his eight-year NFL career, all with the Steelers, Watt has 108 sacks, 462 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 49 passes defensed and seven interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs with the ball in front of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt (ankle) limited in practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt was a limited practice participant Wednesday, three days after injuring his left ankle during a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Watt’s status for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens has yet to be determined.

He missed practice on Tuesday and then made progress while taking part in individual drills on Wednesday.

Watt injured the ankle with 4:46 left in Pittsburgh’s 27-13 road loss to the Eagles.

The 30-year-old Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

Watt, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

Backup quarterback Justin Fields (abdominal), receiver George Pickens (hamstring), cornerback Donte Jackson (back) and safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice for Pittsburgh.

Pickens has missed the past two games. He leads the Steelers with 55 receptions and 850 yards. He has caught three touchdown passes.

–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-Imagn Images

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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) grimaces in pain as during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Steelers star LB T.J. Watt (ankle) hurt vs. Eagles

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Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt injured his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t return.

Watt told reporters after the game that he rolled the ankle. Watt said he underwent X-rays and the results were negative.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said that Watt will be evaluated throughout the week. Pittsburgh visits the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North showdown on Saturday.

Watt said he was unsure if he would be able to play against Baltimore.

Watt was injured while rushing around the edge in an effort to reach Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. He began to limp during the play and then fell to the ground with 4:46 left in the contest and reached for the ankle.

The 30-year-old Watt had two sacks and a forced fumble to go with seven tackles on Sunday. He has 11 1/2 sacks this season to reach double digits for the sixth time in his eight-year career.

Watt, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has 108 career sacks in 118 games with Pittsburgh. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he had a career-high 22.5 sacks to match the official league record (since 1982).

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) and running back Najee Harris (22) celebrate after Harris scored a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers stick with QB Mason Rudolph, rule out OLB T.J. Watt

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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph remains the No. 1 quarterback for Pittsburgh as the playoffs begin.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said pass rusher T.J. Watt (knee) is out for the wild-card game with the Buffalo Bills but safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be back on Sunday.

“We’ll stay with Mason Rudolph,” Tomlin said. “We’re just simply staying with the hot hand, not upsetting the apple cart. He’s been in some tough circumstances, and he’s delivered.”

Rudolph has three touchdowns and no interceptions since taking over for backup-turned-starter Mitchell Trubisky, who was starting in place of injured Kenny Pickett.

“He’s making good decisions. There’s a cumulative body of work. Mason’s been here a long time,” Tomlin said of his confidence in Rudolph.

Fitzpatrick missed the past three games with a knee injury.

He began the week as limited in practice, but Tomlin said that’s more of a precaution than commentary on his readiness to play. He’ll be reunited with strong safety Damontae Kazee, who is back with the Steelers from a three-game suspension for a series of borderline illegal hits.

Watt has 19.0 sacks and helped the Steelers surge into the playoffs with a three-game winning streak to end the season. Alex Highsmith is second on the team with 7.0 sacks, but recorded just one in the past four games.

“Playing without T.J. is significant,” Tomlin said. “It’s not going to be a one-man job replacing T.J. … T.J.’s one of a kind.”

Tomlin consistently repeats the team has a “next man up” mentality and said he will not be surprised when someone steps up and plays well.

“We’ve got depth at that position. I’m comfortable with the quality of depth,” he said. “We have guys that are capable.”

–Field Level Media

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

Mike Tomlin: Steelers ‘optimistic’ OLB T.J. Watt could return Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt might be ready to jump from practice to gameday on Sunday when Pittsburgh returns from last week’s bye.

Safety Damontae Kazee (arm) and Watt (torn pectoral muscle) are eligible to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints if they’re activated from injured reserve. Kazee said Monday that he is fully healed from the broken forearm he suffered in preseason.

“We’ll continue to monitor those guys,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

The Steelers have a deadline of Saturday at 4 p.m. ET to make the roster moves, or Watt and Kazee would wait another week.

Watt considered surgery after playing in the first regular-season game at Cincinnati but opted to seek additional medical input. He ultimately decided to delay the surgery for rehabilitation of the muscle.

He was a full participant in Monday’s fully padded practice and came out of the workout unscathed, leaving Tomlin “optimistic” Watt is ready to play for the first time since Week 1.

Cornerback Arthur Maulet said Watt’s return shifts almost everything for the Steelers — from scheme to mindset — despite their 2-6 record.

“Honestly, for everybody … he makes it a whole lot different. You’ve got an MVP guy, right? But also just the work he puts in, it’s just second to none,” Maulet said.

Kazee had a plate and nine screws inserted to promote healing in his forearm, he said Monday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) takes on the field prior the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens place FB Patrick Ricard (knee) on IR

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The Baltimore Ravens placed Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard on injured reserve Thursday due to his knee injury.

The three-time Pro Bowler saw limited action in last week’s 20-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after missing the previous three games.

The loss of Ricard is a blow for Baltimore’s pass protection as it enters Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt has 21.5 sacks this season, one shy of the official NFL mark held by Michael Strahan (2001).

Also, tight end Nick Boyle, another solid blocker, was placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) sat out practice again Thursday. He has missed the past three games.

Backup Tyler Huntley (illness) was a full practice participant for the second straight day and may be in line to start the pivotal game.

The Steelers (8-7-1) and Ravens (8-8) are on the outside of the AFC playoff race. The winner of the contest will need help from multiple teams to sneak into the postseason field.

–Field Level Media