Steelers open 21-day practice window for LB T.J. Watt to return from injured reserve
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt suffered a partially torn pectoral in the final moments of the Steelers Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Since being out, the Steelers defense has been a shell of its former self and the team has gone 1-5. But on Wednesday, Watt was seen going through a workout on the practice field. This is in addition to the workout Watt did on Sunday night in pregame before the Steelers took on the Miami Dolphins.
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has already said it is highly unlikely we see Watt this week but with the bye week following this week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, it really feels like he could return when the Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 10.
Watt, when healthy, is one of the best all-around defenders in the NFL. If the Steelers have any hope of salvaging the season after the bye week, they need Watt at full strength.
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This season, the Steelers rank 28th in total defense and have struggled against opposing offenses. The Steelers have allowed 23.1 points per game and 118.9 rushing yards to running backs.
Last season, Watt recorded 22.5 sacks and tied Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan for the NFL single-season record. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year began the 2022 season in style. He had a sack and interception against the Bengals prior to the injury.
The Steelers opened his 21-day window to be activated from the injured reserve list on Wednesday. In related news, the Steelers announced that rookie receiver Calvin Austin III will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.