On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin said it was "highly unlikely" T.J. Watt would play Sunday against the Eagles. But after returning to practice this week, Watt is leaving the door open.
"I don't know," Watt said when asked about his availability Sunday. "I mean, we'll have to see."
Watt tore his pec muscle in the Steelers Week 1 win over the Bengals and underwent knee surgery earlier this month, pushing his return back a bit further. He returned to practice Wednesday, starting a 21-day window for him to be activated off of injured reserve.
Watt said Friday that he is "trending" towards being 100% with both injuries.
"I feel good, Watt said. "Today was a good day for me, this week has been a good week for me. I just want to continue going in the right direction."
The Steelers could certainly use a boost on the pass rush, as they rank 30th in pressure percentage and have picked up only five sacks in the six weeks Watt has been out. At 2-5 on the year, the window of opportunity for the Steelers to turn things around this season shrinks with a loss at the undefeated Eagles. The team has its bye the following week.
Of course Watt could theoretically return in a limited capacity to start. When asked if he is wired to go only 10-15 snaps, Watt responded with a simple, "we'll see."
"I'm always going to do what's best for the team, what's asked of me," Watt said. "It's not my call."
Bringing back the defending Defensive Player of the Year would be a shot in the arm, but the focus is not going to just be on one game in October.
"The Steelers have invested in me and want me to be here long term," Watt said. "I want to be here long term. I want to play at a high level. I have a lot of people in my corner that have my best interests and are going to make sure I'm doing what's best for myself and for this football team."
