Watt returns to practice two weeks after lung surgery
Associated Press
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt is back. Sort of.
The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker returned to practice on Wednesday, two weeks after he had surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung following a dry needle treatment.
Watt was a limited participant on Wednesday.
While coach Mike Tomlin said he’s hopeful that Watt will be able to return this weekend, Watt’s availability to face the Cleveland Browns Sunday remains uncertain.
Still, having Watt’s familiar No. 90 on the practice field is a good sign for a team that hopes to have him back in time for the playoffs at the latest, should Pittsburgh qualify for the third straight year.
“TJ is one of our leaders, so I love having him around,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “Not sure what his status is going to be, but just his presence is good for the team.”
The Steelers (9-6) can wrap up the AFC North title with a win against the Browns, but the title may already be secured before kickoff if the Baltimore Ravens lose at Green Bay Saturday night.
Watt was named to his eighth consecutive Pro Bowl on Tuesday, joining teammates Ben Skowronek (special teams) and Jalen Ramsey (free safety). The 30-year-old Watt is having a somewhat down year by his standards, with just seven sacks through 13 games played, though he also has two forced fumbles and an interception.
Steelers sign Flowers
Tre Flowers received a gift on Christmas Day from the Steelers.
A contract.
The Steelers signed the veteran cornerback to the active 53-man roster on Thursday.
Flowers is in his eighth season in the NFL and most recently played for the Detroit Lions earlier this season before being released a few weeks ago after appearing in two games.
A 2018 fifth round pick of the Seattle Seahawks out of Oklahoma, Flowers has appeared in 86 games, starting 43 of them. He has four career interceptions, five forced fumbles and 22 passes defensed. He also has 270 tackles, 211 of them solo stops.
Flowers spent four seasons with the Seahawks, appearing in 47 games, with 40 starts. He spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears.