Brooke PryorDec 30, 2025, 01:30 PM ETCloseBrooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.Follow on X
PITTSBURGH — Coach Mike Tomlin is “optimistic” that star pass rusher T.J. Watt will be available to play in the Steelers’ AFC North title showdown in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Watt last played in the Steelers’ 27-22 Week 14 win against the Ravens, recording six tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. He has seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and an interception this season.
Watt had surgery to repair his lung Dec. 11 and was released from the hospital Dec. 12. He returned to practice last week as a limited participant each day, but he didn’t play in the 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin explained Tuesday that the team is exercising caution with Watt’s return and that contributed to the decision to keep him sidelined in Week 17.
“I’m open to utilizing him in any way that’s appropriate relative to his availability,” Tomlin said.
The Steelers, however, will be without supersized tight end Darnell Washington, who had surgery on a broken arm Tuesday morning. Washington broke his forearm in the first half of the loss to the Browns and didn’t return. Tomlin said Washington is out against the Ravens, but he didn’t disclose his status beyond Week 18.
CloseBrooke Pryor is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. She previously covered the Kansas City Chiefs for the Kansas City Star and the University of Oklahoma for The Oklahoman.Follow on X
“But certainly more optimistic this week than I have been in previous weeks as I stand here today.”
Tomlin also didn’t dismiss the idea of reducing Watt’s usual role and using him “situationally.”