Pittsburgh Steelers Receive Massive Update On TJ Watt Ahead Of Win-Or-Go-Home Game vs. Baltimore Ravens
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are being careful with star pass rusher TJ Watt as they prepare for their must-win Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Earlier this week, players and coaches sounded hopeful that Watt will be able to play Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium.
That optimism cooled a bit on Friday. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport delivered mixed signals during appearances on Good Morning Football. He first described Watt as a true game-time decision. An hour later, he added that Watt appears “on the brink” of playing in the AFC North showdown.
The mixed updates caused some uncertainty. The Steelers had not practiced yet on Friday, and Watt had not taken part in a full practice earlier in the week. Head coach Mike Tomlin has said practice participation would be the biggest sign of Watt’s status. Because of that, questions remain even with the team sounding confident.
Watt’s Practice Status Creates Uncertainty And Hope
Rapoport explained the situation clearly during his initial report. “There was some optimism earlier in the week and to my knowledge, nothing has waned,” Rapoport said on NFL Network. “The only concerning thing here for the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt is that he has not been a full participant yet in practice.”
The Steelers listed Watt as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Tomlin acknowledged that reality earlier in the week. According to Rapoport, “Again, [Mike] Tomlin has said he’s more optimistic this week than last week, but he also said let the participation be our guide. T.J. has not yet been full, so I would say it’s more wait-and-see mode for the star edge rusher than anything else.”
Finally, it does appear TJ Watt is on the brink of playing. We’ll see what his participation is today, but sounds like he’s nearly there. https://t.co/pmN57unsCV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2026
Rapoport doubled down on that point Friday morning. “If he is not a full participant today, then you really do wonder is he going to be out there for a win and end-all important game for the Steelers,” he said.
Even with the team being careful, confidence inside the Steelers’ building keeps growing. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin spoke Thursday like Watt’s return is getting close. He said the defense would welcome Watt back in any role. Team captain Cameron Heyward agreed, saying even a limited Watt makes a big difference, especially after he missed the last three games due to his health.
Everyone in Pittsburgh knows what’s on the line. A win means the playoffs. A loss ends the season. Watt is a game-changer whenever he plays, and the Steelers are hoping Friday’s practice clears up the final questions.
The team will announce Watt’s final status later Friday. Until then, the feeling remains the same. Pittsburgh believes he’s close, very close.
