Full Breakdown
T.J. Watt Returns to Practice Following Lung Surgery
12/24/2025, 10:39:02 PM
Overview of T.J. Watt's Injury and Recovery
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice on December 24, 2025, marking his first participation since undergoing surgery for a partially collapsed lung. The injury occurred during a dry needling session on December 10, which resulted in a punctured lung and subsequent surgery. Watt missed the last two games but was spotted engaging in drills with teammates, a positive sign for his recovery ahead of the crucial Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Impact on the Steelers' Defense
Watt's absence was felt during the Steelers' previous victories against the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions, where the team managed to secure wins despite his sidelining. The Steelers' defense has shown resilience, with rookie Jack Sawyer stepping up in Watt's place and contributing significantly. Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the challenge of replacing Watt, stating, “We understood that. That’s why we talked a lot about destroying the pocket from the interior.” The return of Watt, who has recorded seven sacks and 53 tackles this season, is expected to bolster the team's defensive capabilities as they aim for the playoffs.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mike Tomlin commented on Watt's recovery, indicating that while Watt's return to practice is encouraging, the team is cautious about rushing him back into full action. “I think that’s a fair estimation,” Tomlin said regarding Watt's readiness to focus on football activities. The Steelers are optimistic about Watt's potential return, which could be crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Steelers have performed well without Watt, some analysts have raised concerns about the long-term implications of rushing him back into play. Given the severity of a lung injury, there are risks associated with returning too soon, which could jeopardize both Watt's health and the team's playoff chances.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is uncertainty surrounding Watt's exact status for the upcoming game against the Browns. While his participation in practice is a positive indicator, it remains unclear whether he will play in Week 17 or if he will need additional time to regain full fitness. Reports vary on the specifics of his practice involvement, with some sources noting he participated in limited drills.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A Christmas Eve gift for the Steelers: TJ Watt is back on the practice field today,” — Brooke Pryor, ESPN
- “I love the work that Jack (Sawyer) gave us,” — Mike Tomlin, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
- “We were strong inside. We lacked depth on the perimeter. We put the challenge to our interior people to impact the game in that way, we put some schematics behind it, and we went about playing.” — Mike Tomlin, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
What's Next for T.J. Watt and the Steelers
As the Steelers prepare for their pivotal game against the Cleveland Browns, Watt's ongoing participation in practice will be closely monitored. The outcome of this game could determine their playoff positioning, making Watt's potential return even more significant. The Steelers are hopeful that he can shake off any rust and contribute effectively as they aim to clinch the AFC North title.
