The Pittsburgh Steelers have started preparations for their upcoming AFC North championship game against the Baltimore Ravens at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The outcome of this game will determine the division winner.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media, emphasizing the significance of the week. “Welcome to AFC North Championship Week,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference.
Linebacker T.J. Watt was limited in practice on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a lung issue. Tomlin expressed increased optimism about Watt’s return, stating, “Optimistic about his potential inclusion in this game. We’ll work him up throughout the course of the week and let the amount of participation, the quality of participation, be our guide in terms of whether or not he’s a participant.”
Tomlin noted that caution has guided Watt’s recovery process due to its medical nature rather than an injury. “He’s coming off of a medical circumstance, different than the injury circumstance,” Tomlin said. “And so, certainly he has a certain level of health. But we want to be cautious about how we work him back into the fold. And certainly, he’s done the appropriate things in that area as well.”
Watt participated on a limited basis last week as well; his current week’s practice performance will influence his availability for Sunday’s game. Tomlin added, “Practice participation certainly would be more comforting in terms of making a decision given he’s coming back from a medical circumstance. I’m open to utilizing him in any way that’s appropriate relative to his availability.”
Reflecting on Watt’s return to practice last week, Tomlin stated, “I thought he looked great. I know he was glad to be out there with his teammates. I think that’s a component of it that we don’t talk often enough about when someone is injured or out. The isolation component of it.
“We’re a communal group. This is a team sport definitively, and so more than anything, I thought he displayed an excitement that comes with being back out there with his teammates.”
Despite missing three games, Tomlin does not question Watt’s conditioning: “I doubt that T.J. is ever out of football shape or conditioning over the course of a 12 month calendar,” said Tomlin. “I know how he lives his life and how he prepares. How thoughtful he is in terms of what he puts in his body and how he trains.
“And so, I don’t imagine that component being a major concern.”
On offense, tight end Darnell Washington was placed on Injured Reserve following arm surgery and will miss time during this critical stretch. Washington contributed both as a blocker and receiver but will be replaced by other players according to Tomlin: “We use a lot of tight ends,” said Tomlin. “We also use guys at the tight end position that don’t play tight end, Spencer Anderson.
“So, we have a lot of options at our disposal relative to that from a strategy perspective. Certainly, given six or seven days to prepare, I don’t think it would be a strategic issue in terms of replacing his efforts.”
As part of these roster changes after moving Washington onto IR, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll was signed from the practice squad to fill out the 53-man roster spot; Driscoll had previously been elevated for recent games after joining Pittsburgh’s practice squad late October following five seasons with Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, tight end Jaheim Bell joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad after stints with New England Patriots (who drafted him) and Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad earlier this season.
Other players could also return soon from injuries including Calvin Austin III (hamstring), Brandin Echols (groin), James Pierre (calf), Isaac Seumalo (triceps), and Malik Harrison (bone bruise). According to Tomlin: “Thankfully all other guys I’m about to mention have some level of optimism in terms of their availability… Calvin Austin missed the last game with hamstring… Brandin Echols… James Pierre… Isaac Seumalo… Malik Harrison’s got bone bruise… optimistic certainly about his inclusion.”
The Steelers’ official injury report details each player’s status ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Baltimore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of several professional teams competing in the National Football League. Over their history since founding by Arthur J. Rooney Sr., they have achieved significant milestones such as winning six Super Bowl championships (official website). The franchise maintains its headquarters at Acrisure Stadium (official website).
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