Steelers’ T.J. Watt returns to practice for first time since lung surgery
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in great shape after their Week 16 upset win over the Detroit Lions and are the clear favorites in the AFC North with a 9-6 record. To add to the good atmosphere, Mike Tomlin’s defense is getting closer to the return of its most important player.
On Wednesday, star pass rusher TJ Watt attended practice for the first time since undergoing lung surgery after a dry needling accident, although he was listed as a limited participant. Coach Tomlin said Watt’s status for the Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns is unclear at this time, but it was clearly a step in the right direction.
“It’s great to have him there,” said compatriot Alex Highsmith, via ESPN. “Just seeing him back on the field with us, he’s getting better every day, so I think just seeing him back there, as the leader of our group, it’s just great to see. I’m excited to see how he continues to come back.”
Two weeks ago, Watt went to a Pittsburgh hospital after feeling chest discomfort. This led him to undergo surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung.
“Yesterday, TJ underwent successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung, suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility,” Watt’s brother, JJ Watt, posted on social media on December 12. “The recovery timeline is still to be determined, but everything went well and he is being released from the hospital today. He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and best wishes.”
Watt recorded 53 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception through the first 13 games of the season. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is the league leader in forced fumbles (36) and QB hits (243) since being selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and has recorded the fifth-most sacks in a player’s first nine seasons all-time with 115.0.
The Steelers can officially win the AFC North with a win against the Browns on Sunday, or a Baltimore Ravens loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. Pittsburgh is looking to extend a three-game winning streak, during which the team is averaging 28 points per game.
