PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers received a monumental boost to their defensive front this week as the team officially cleared star linebacker T.J. Watt to return to the field. Watt, who has been sidelined since suffering a concerning lung injury in early December, is set to start in the team’s critical Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns—a game that carries immense weight for the AFC North standings and postseason positioning.
Watt’s absence was deeply felt by the Steelers (9-6), who struggled to maintain their signature pass-rush consistency without the perennial All-Pro. Despite the injury, which initially sparked fears of a season-ending recovery timeline, Watt’s progress over the last ten days exceeded the expectations of the team’s medical staff. After successfully navigating a series of high-intensity practices without setback, he was given the “green light” on Friday afternoon.
The return of the league’s most feared edge rusher comes at a pivotal moment. The Steelers are currently locked in a tight race for the division title, and facing a Cleveland Browns offense led by a mobile quarterback requires the exact brand of disruptive pressure that Watt provides. Historically, the Steelers’ winning percentage increases significantly when Watt is in the lineup, a trend the team hopes will continue as they look to secure a home playoff game.
“Having T.J. back out there changes everything for us,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “It’s not just about the sacks or the forced fumbles; it’s the way he commands attention from the offense. It opens up opportunities for everyone else on that line. He’s been itching to get back, and his energy in the locker room this week has been infectious.”
While Watt will be back, the Steelers’ defense will still be shorthanded in other areas. The team is currently navigating the fallout of wide receiver DK Metcalf’s suspension and several minor injuries in the secondary. However, the presence of No. 90 on the edge is expected to alleviate some of that pressure by forcing the Browns into quick-release passing situations and hurried decisions.
For Watt, the return is also a personal milestone in his pursuit of further NFL history. Prior to the injury, he was among the league leaders in sacks and remains a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. His ability to produce at an elite level immediately following a traumatic internal injury will likely be a central narrative of the Week 17 broadcast.
As the “Terrible Towels” prepare to wave at Acrisure Stadium, the return of T.J. Watt has transformed a nervous atmosphere into one of renewed confidence. For Pittsburgh, the path to a deep January run feels significantly more attainable with their defensive heartbeat back in the fold.
