The battle of the AFC North has reached its peak, and just before the Ravens and Steelers battle it out, head coach Mike Tomlin announced a T.J. Watt update.

“Optimistic about his potential inclusion in this game. We’ll work him up over the course of the week and let the amount of participation and quality of participation be our guide. … I’m more optimistic than I’ve been in previous weeks.”

Watt has been out for 3 weeks, after being hospitalized due to a partially collapsed lung. His recovery received a huge boost last week when he had some limited time in practice before the Browns game.

Watt will be crucial for the team. Pittsburgh is coming from a horrible 13-6 loss against the Browns. Despite it, they remain on top of the division with a 9-7 record. The Ravens follow them in the second place, winning 8 and losing 8 games this season. 

Watt last played in the game when they won 27-22 against Baltimore three weeks ago. So far this season, he has 22 solo tackles, 7 sacks, and an interception. He has also had 3 forced fumbles and a couple of fumble recoveries.

However, Tomlin isn't too keen on rushing Watt back. "Practice participation certainly would be more comforting in terms of making a decision given he's coming back from a medical circumstance. I'm open to utilizing him in any way that's appropriate relative to his availability."

And Tomlin knows T.J. Watt's road to recovery hasn't been easy

After being taken to the hospital, T.J. Watt underwent surgery for his lung. And although the surgery went well, there's one aspect Tomlin knows was tough.

"I know he was glad to be out there with his teammates. I think that's a component of it that we don't talk often enough about when someone is injured or out. The isolation component of it."

"We're a communal group. This is a team sport, definitively, and so more than anything, I thought he displayed an excitement that comes with being back out there with his teammates."

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar