Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker returns to practice
PITTSBURGH – TJ Watt is back. Sort of.
The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker returned to practice Wednesday, two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung following dry needling treatment.
Watt was a limited participant Wednesday. While coach Mike Tomlin said he hopes Watt can return this weekend when the Steelers (9-6) attempt to win the AFC North title with a road victory against the Cleveland Browns, Watt’s availability remains uncertain.
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Still, having Watt’s familiar No. 90 on the practice field is a good sign for a team that hopes to get him back in time for the playoffs at the latest, if the Steelers qualify for the third year in a row.
“TJ is one of our leaders, so I love having him around,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “I don’t know what his status will be, but just his presence is good for the team.”
Watt was named to his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl on Tuesday. The 30-year-old is having a somewhat rough year by his standards, with just seven sacks in 13 games played, although he also has two forced fumbles and an interception.
