ALTOONA, Pa. -- When the Steelers take the field Sunday afternoon against Baltimore, they'll be doing so with the services of linebacker T.J. Watt, who tested out of the NFL's COVID-19 protocol and was activated Saturday.
With his return, Watt becomes the first player to be placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and not miss a game. He was placed on the list Monday and needed to test negative twice to be eligible for activation; he did so Friday and again Saturday before the Steelers activated him.
It's welcome news for a Steelers defense that's been banged up most of the season. Cornerback Joe Haden has missed the past two weeks with a foot injury and will be out once again against the Ravens, while defensive end Stephon Tuitt has missed the entire season with a knee injury. Linebacker Robert Spillane injured his knee Sunday against Cincinnati and will be out this week.
The defensive line for the Steelers has been dealing with both injuries and illness this week, with defensive tackle Cam Heyward and defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk missing practice Friday because of undisclosed illnesses. Defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs was downgraded to out with an ankle injury suffered earlier this week.
At this point, should Heyward and Loudermilk miss Sunday's game, the Steelers will have a total of three available defensive linemen: Chris Wormley, Montravius Adams and Henry Mondeaux. They will also have outside linebackers Alex Highsmith, Taco Charlton and Derek Tuszka available, in addition to Watt.
Watt has started nine games and has 12.5 sacks, four passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
