MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- The Steelers are in desperate need for anything to turn their season around, and is looks like their best player is getting closer to returning.
T.J. Watt not only made the trip with the team to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night, but Watt dressed in his normal pregame attire and went through an extensive workout prior to warmups.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is working his way back from a torn pectoral suffered in Week 1 and arthroscopic knee surgery that repaired a preseason injury. However, Watt did a lot of cardio work, including some sprints and other running that moved him laterally.
T.J. Watt made the trip to Miami. pic.twitter.com/QpvgudIUHz
— Chris Halicke (@ChrisHalicke) October 23, 2022
Watt has yet to officially return to the team, starting his 21-day clock where the team must decide to activate him or lose him for the season. The continued expectation is that Watt will not be available until after the bye in Week 9.
The Steelers dropped Sunday night's game against the Dolphins, 16-10, and have fallen to 2-5 on the season. The Steelers have managed only one win in at least 10 games without Watt in the lineup. Sunday night, the Steelers failed to sack Tua Tagovailoa and only registered one quarterback hit.
The Steelers remained relatively healthy in the loss, with only Levi Wallace suffering an injury to his shoulder/collarbone when Tyreek Hill fell on him after an attempt at an interception. Tomlin said Wallace is still being evaluated. Diontae Johnson dealt with an issue in his left ankle at one point, but finished the game and Tomlin made no mention of any injury regarding his No. 1 receiver.
More than anything, the Steelers need Watt back. His impact has been sorely missed this season. At 2-5, the Steelers will be looking for any way to turn the ship around. Adding a player of Watt's caliber will certainly provide the biggest spark possible.
