At a Glance
- T.J. Watt is set to return to the Steelers’ lineup for Sunday vs the Ravens.
- A dry-needling mishap on Dec. 10 forced surgery for a partially collapsed lung, sidelining him for three games.
- The Steelers could clinch the AFC North title for the first time since 2020 by beating Baltimore.
Why it matters: Watt’s comeback could decide whether the Steelers reach the playoffs or stay on the sidelines.
T.J. Watt has been preparing for a return after a “fluke” dry-needling incident that required surgery. The 31-year-old, the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, missed the past three games while the team went 2-1 in his absence.
Mishap and Recovery
The injury occurred during a routine dry-needling session on Dec. 10.
T.J. Watt said:
> “Obviously very scary. Just a significant amount of pain at the same time you’re going to work, and then all of a sudden you need surgery. It sucks. Just a lot of unknown.”
He was told by the hospital staff that surgery was needed to fix his lung. The Steelers’ medical team performed the procedure, and Watt has been working through rehab.
Road to the Division Title
The Steelers are poised to win the AFC North if they defeat the Ravens on Sunday. The team’s 2-1 record in the three games Watt missed doubled the win total the club had without him during the first eight seasons of his career.
Cam Heyward urged the team:
> “We need Watt to do ‘T.J. Watt’ things against the Ravens.”
Watt has 17 of his 115 career sacks coming against Pittsburgh’s longtime rival.
Watt’s Outlook
After a practice at Acrisure Stadium on Friday, T.J. Watt said:
> “I have no limitations. I tried to simulate as much as I could with shoulder pads and stuff like that. But you can only simulate so much. So I feel really good right now. Hopefully that’s the case on Sunday as well.”
He added that he is focused on helping the Steelers reach the playoffs. Watt has 7 sacks this season, the lowest total in a year he has played at least 13 games since 2017.
Key Takeaways
- Watt’s return could be the deciding factor in the Steelers’ push for the AFC North title.
- The dry-needling mishap forced surgery and a three-game absence, but he feels ready for Sunday.
- The team’s 2-1 record without him shows how crucial his presence is.
The Steelers are counting on Watt’s resilience and skill to secure the division and a playoff berth.
