UPDATE - Saturday 4pm - Steelers won't activate TJ Watt, and he will not play Sunday against the Eagles.
We've been hearing all week that Pittsburgh Steelers superstar edge rusher and the NFL's reigning 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt has been back at practice. Multiple reports confirm he's been active in drills, even pregame warm-ups over the last few weeks. Both his pectoral muscle, as well as his knee he had minor surgery on, seem to be healed and speculation continues to grow as to if he'll be available against the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Now, here at SteelerNation.com, we've learned that several sources close to the team and Watt can confirm he'll be active this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, TJ Watt (#90) celebrates a defensive play against the Detroit Lions in a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
On Friday evening, Barstool Yinzers reported that the 3x First Team All-Pro defender will be back in limited action. We've confirmed this with our sources close to Watt and we've been told it's been official since earlier this afternoon:
BREAKING: Per source inside the organization, TJ Watt plans to return from injury this Sunday to face the undefeated Eagles.
— Barstool Yinzers (@BarstoolBurgh) October 29, 2022
He will be on a limited snap count but the DPOY is back 💪 #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/KyZjdt1c3S
Watt, 28, is also a 1x Second Team All-Pro defender, a 4x Pro Bowler, and the NFL's single-season sack leader (22.5, tied with Michael Strahan). He's been out since Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals after injuring his pectoral muscle late in the second half.
Since Watt's absence, the defense has struggled to get to the quarterback, only obtaining 5 sacks since Week 1. They only have 12 on the year, tied for 22nd in the league after leading the NFL the last several seasons in this category. Watt's presence back on the field will be welcomed by the team, as well as Steeler Nation, even if it's in a limited capacity.
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, Chris Wormley (95), Cameron Heyward (97), Stephon Tuitt (91), and T.J. Watt (90) play against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
With all that said, how excited are yinz to have Watt back in Week 8? Is it too soon? Can Pittsburgh make a midseason run to put themselves in position to make the playoffs come December now? Make sure to click to comment below!
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