Steelers select to not activate T.J. Watt forward of recreation vs. Eagles

PITTSBURGH — T.J. Watt is not again … but.

The Pittsburgh Steelers opted to not activate the reigning NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr from injured reserve forward of Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.

His 21-day follow window opened earlier this week. Talking Friday for the primary time since he tore his pectoral muscle within the Week 1 win in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt was imprecise on his potential availability.

“I used to be a [practice] participant as we speak, so I imply, simply going about my enterprise, doing what I am requested, seeing how my physique responds to the exercise,” Watt stated Friday. “I really feel very inspired with the place I am at proper now.”

Watt additionally had minor arthroscopic knee surgical procedure earlier this month to restore a lingering preseason damage.

“I’ve had muscle pulls earlier than, and you’re feeling some type of pop in a snap and instantly know it is not good,” Watt stated of the pec damage. “It is only a matter of how unhealthy it was and it simply took us 24 to 48 hours to determine the severity of it.”

He added the pectoral was “trending” towards being 100%. Following the knee surgical procedure, Watt was anticipated to return after the Week 9 bye, sources advised ESPN. Now, Watt is on observe to return in opposition to the New Orleans Saints in Week 10.

“It does not matter if I am coming off of no matter damage, I am at all times gonna attempt to discover a method to get higher and never simply be a slouch and sit on the sofa and eat potato chips and ice no matter physique half I am icing,” Watt stated. “I am at all times looking for a means in order that after I come again, the acclimation interval is as fast as attainable, and I really feel like I’ve executed an excellent job with that. We cannot know till I truly play.”

Watt hasn’t been injured typically because the the Steelers chosen him within the first spherical of the 2017 draft, and whereas he stated sitting out is tough as a competitor, he understands he needs to be sensible about how he comes again – particularly after the Steelers signed him to a document extension final yr.

“I actually love soccer,” Watt stated. “I am not in it for the rest. I simply love taking part in this recreation. When one thing’s taken away from you, it, it’s extremely unlucky, however you’ll be able to take it one or two methods and I am simply making an attempt to take the optimistic route and take the time to get my physique proper and are available again.”

In Watt’s absence, the Steelers have did not get constant stress on the quarterback and have solely 5 sacks in six video games with out him.