Steelers’ T.J. Watt Optimistic but Noncommittal About Playing Against Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt remains uncertain about his availability for Saturday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, despite positive progress in his recovery from a left ankle injury.
“We’ll see Saturday, but I felt pretty good this week,” Watt said Thursday. “Obviously, it’s a short week, but I’ve felt pretty good.”
Watt sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. He was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday but fully participated on Thursday. Notably, he does not carry an injury designation heading into the matchup with the Ravens.
“There’s not a lot you do in practice during a short week like this to push it,” Watt added. “I want to see how it feels on Saturday, but I feel pretty good right now.”
Watt’s Stellar Season
Watt, 30, has been a dominant force for the Steelers this season, recording 11.5 sacks—his sixth double-digit sack season in eight years. Last Sunday, he had two sacks, a forced fumble, and seven tackles. The six-time Pro Bowl selection has amassed 108 career sacks in 118 games and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 after tying the league’s single-season sack record with 22.5.
Other Steelers Injury Updates
Wide receiver George Pickens will miss his third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury, and quarterback Justin Fields (abdomen) has also been ruled out. Safety DeShon Elliott is doubtful after being limited in Thursday’s practice with a hamstring issue.
Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) and cornerback Donte Jackson (back) are listed as questionable for the game, further adding to the Steelers’ injury concerns ahead of their critical division clash with the Ravens.
