T.J. Watt Returns to Practice for Steelers After Partially Punctured Lung Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt made a significant step towards recovery on Wednesday, returning to practice for the first time since suffering a partially punctured lung during a dry needling treatment two weeks ago. Watt, who underwent subsequent reparative surgery, was listed as a limited participant and took part in individual drills with the defense.
According to teammate Alex Highsmith, an outside linebacker, Watt’s presence on the practice field was a welcome sight. “It’s awesome to have him out there,” Highsmith said. “Just seeing him back out in the field with us, he’s getting better every single day, so I think just to have him back out there, just as a leader for our group, it’s just awesome to see. Excited to see how he continues to work his way back.” Quarterback Aaron Rodgers also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “T.J.’s one of our leaders, so I love having him around. Not sure what his status is going to be, but just his presence is good for our team.”
Caution and Restraint in Practice
Watt appeared to be intentional about not practicing pass rush moves on the tackling dummies, which would have required him to raise his arms more in making explosive movements. Instead, he focused on cardio exercises with the defensive line during that part of the individual drills. This cautious approach suggests that Watt is still in the process of recovering from his injury and is taking a gradual approach to regain his strength and endurance.
Coach Mike Tomlin stated on Tuesday that Watt’s status for Sunday’s game in Cleveland, where the Steelers could clinch the AFC North title and a playoff berth, was still undetermined. However, Tomlin believed that Watt had recovered from the surgery, saying, “That’s a fair estimation, but again, I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical… I think for me, to talk about injury is one thing. To talk about medical is something else. And so that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been a little bit hesitant besides my lack of expertise on the subject matter.”
Nick Herbig Also Returns to Practice
In addition to Watt’s return, fellow pass rusher Nick Herbig was also at practice as a limited participant after missing the Lions game with a hamstring injury. This is a positive development for the Steelers, who are looking to strengthen their defense as they approach the crucial game against the Browns. With both Watt and Herbig taking steps towards recovery, the Steelers’ pass rush could soon be back to full strength, giving them a significant boost in their quest for a playoff spot.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming game, they will be closely monitoring Watt’s progress and determining his availability for Sunday’s matchup. With their leader back on the practice field, the team is optimistic about their chances of success, and fans are eagerly awaiting Watt’s return to action.
