The star pass rusher has a chance to play in the crucial game against Baltimore that will define the AFC North title
PITTSBURGH – The head coach of the Pittsburgh SteelersMike Tomlin is “optimistic” that the star pass rusher T.J. Watt be available to play in the crucial AFC North Division title game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the final game of the regular season.
“I’m optimistic about his possible participation in this game,” Tomlin said of T.J. Wattwho has not played since suffering a partial punctured lung during dry needling treatment on December 10. “We will evaluate him throughout the week and the quantity and quality of his participation will guide us in determining whether he plays or not.
“But I’m certainly more optimistic this week than I have been in the past, as I see it today.”
T.J. Watt He played for the last time in the victory of the Steelers 27-22 in Week 14 against the Ravens, recording six tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. This season he has seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
T.J. Watt He underwent surgery to repair his lung on December 11 and was released from the hospital on December 12. He returned to practice last week with limited participation each day, but did not play in the 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin explained this Tuesday that the team is being cautious with the return of T.J. Watt and that that contributed to the decision to keep him off the field in Week 17.
“It’s coming from a different medical situation than an injury,” Tomlin said. “So while he has a certain level of health, we want to be cautious about his return and he has certainly acted appropriately in that regard as well.”
Tomlin said he would feel more “comfortable” making a decision on T.J. Watt if he participates fully in training this week, although the coach added that he is not worried about the physical condition of T.J. Watt after surgery and the recovery process.
“I doubt that T.J. “I know how he lives his life, how he prepares, and how meticulous he is about what he consumes and how he trains.” So I don’t think that aspect is a major concern.
Tomlin also did not rule out the idea of reducing the usual role of T.J. Watt and use it “in specific situations.”
“I’m open to using him in any way that’s appropriate, based on his availability,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin was also optimistic about the availability of several other players from the Steelers who have missed recent games due to injury, including receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring), cornerback Brandin Echols (groin), cornerback James Pierre (calf) and guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps). Linebacker Malik Harrison suffered a bone bruise against the Browns, but Tomlin said that while Harrison might have limitations in practice early in the week, he’s also optimistic he’ll play.
However, the Steelers They will be without towering tight end Darnell Washington, who underwent surgery for a broken arm Tuesday morning. Washington fractured his forearm in the first half of the loss against the Browns and did not return to the game. Tomlin said Washington will not play the Ravens, but did not reveal his status beyond Week 18.
“He won’t be available to us this week,” Tomlin said. “And that’s really all the information I was concerned about when making the plan. For us, this is a one-week season.”
