Steelers Fans Get New Update On TJ Watt's Potential Return To Practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone on a three-game winning streak following a tumultuous stretch in the 2025 season. Now sitting at 9-6, Pittsburgh is knocking on the playoff door as its lead in the AFC North grows after a Baltimore Ravens loss and the Steelers’ win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. What once felt like a season on the brink has suddenly flipped, with the Steelers finding momentum at the most important point of the year.

Despite the surge, the biggest concern surrounding the team remains the absence of superstar pass rusher TJ Watt. Watt has missed the last two weeks while recovering from a punctured lung, an injury he sustained while receiving treatment at the Steelers’ facility. His absence has understandably raised concern throughout Steeler Nation, given how vital he is to the defense and the team’s postseason hopes.

There have also been conflicting reports regarding Watt’s recovery timeline, adding to the uncertainty. However, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac offered some optimism Sunday morning on KDKA’s Steelers Kickoff show with Rich Walsh, saying he has heard Watt’s recovery is on schedule and that he could practice in Week 17 ahead of the matchup against the Cleveland Browns. While that does not necessarily mean Watt will play, it is an encouraging sign that points toward a potential return in time for the postseason.

"I've been told that his recovery is right on schedule," Dulac said while speaking on the show before the Steelers-Lions contest. "And it's possible, it's possible he could return to practice next week. So we shall see. We'll see what that game in Cleveland means. It probably will mean something. Don't know if he's going to play, but he is on schedule. And like I said, he is expected to practice next week."

This sentiment was shared by Dulac on the pregame show before the Steelers upset the Lions. With the playoff implications looming large, the timing of when the Steelers might get Watt back carries significant weight. 

Ideally, Pittsburgh would love to rest him if possible. There has long been a narrative surrounding Watt that he has not won a playoff game or made a major impact late in seasons, but context matters. He has often been battling injuries, which has limited his postseason availability, and the Steelers themselves have rarely been legitimate contenders during those stretches. In fact, many of their wins in recent years came largely because of Watt’s presence on the field.

That is why Dulac’s confidence that Watt could practice in Week 17 ahead of the Browns game is notable. While it does not guarantee a return to game action, it provides a clearer picture of where Watt is in his recovery and suggests the Steelers are being cautious rather than concerned. How that practice window translates into actual playing time will be something to monitor closely as Pittsburgh navigates the final stretch of the regular season.

Steelers Have Finally Won Games Without TJ Watt

The Steelers defense has often been criticized as only being effective when Watt is on the field. In past seasons, that argument held weight, but this time around things look different. Pittsburgh has managed to win two games without Watt, a rare accomplishment during his career. That could signal real growth and adaptation on the defensive side of the ball. Even so, there is no question that getting Watt back would elevate the unit significantly and make the Steelers far more dangerous heading into the postseason.

If the Steelers can continue winning without Watt while positioning him for a healthy return, they could be setting themselves up for their most dangerous postseason run in years. 

What is your best guess for when the Steelers may get TJ Watt back on the field in the 2025 NFL season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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