The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a very strong game against the Miami Dolphins, where they went up 28-3 in the fourth quarter and eventually came away with a victory. Even without star edge rusher TJ Watt, the defense played lights out against a white-hot Miami offense. However, they won't be playing a southern team in the cold next; they will have to face a tough Detroit Lions team in their home stadium. This will be a good measuring stick game to see how good Pittsburgh truly is.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates with Payton Wilson during a win over the Miami Dolphins at home during the 2025 season.
During his typical Tomlin Tuesday press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Watt's rehab in his opening statement. He said there was no news, but he did drop a little hint in there about his status.
"I got no new news on TJ, but I'm sure I will a little later in the week, but I hadn't heard any new updates regarding his availability or what that looks like as he starts to work his way back to us this week," Tomlin said.
The key there is "as he starts to work his way back to us this week." It's confirmed that Watt is out of the hospital due to his collapsed lung, and it sounds like he will begin some level of rehab in the facilities. There is still no confirmation that he will play in Week 16, but he could still make it back onto the field sooner rather than later. That would be huge for the Steelers as they try to hold on to this division lead.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt sets up at the line of scrimmage as he prepares to rush the passer as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Another hint dropped by the team is the fact that Watt was not put on Injured Reserve (IR) prior to this past contest against the Dolphins. Doing so would mean he is automatically out for four weeks. Clearly, they have confidence that he will return before the regular season ends, which would most likely mean that he would play in a massive Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens if needed.
After the win on Monday night, Tomlin even said that Watt should be back sooner rather than later, and he seems to stick by that with his latest comments. After getting a punctured lung like that, getting him on the field before the end of the season would be amazing. The door seems to be open for the superstar edge rusher, but there is no need to rush him back onto the field.
Steelers' Likely Timeline For Watt
Since the Steelers played on Monday night, Week 16 will be considered a short week. While Watt does technically have a chance to return for this contest, it most likely won't happen. There is no doubt that they want to be extra cautious with a player with a lung injury and rushing him back would be the wrong move for an issue as serious as this one. He needs all the rest he can get.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt (90) stands on the field with some of his defensive teammates as the group works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns may be a good spot for a potential return, but if the Steelers manage to clinch the AFC North before then, they can rest Watt for one more week and use the Ravens game as a tune-up game. Either way, Week 18 would be the most likely return game for the superstar, but it all depends on the doctors and their advice. If the Steelers finally want to win in the playoffs however, they will need him at full strength.
What do you think about the probable timeline for Watt to return, as well as Tomlin's little hint on it? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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