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T.J. Watt Returns to Practice Two Weeks After Lung Surgery as Week 17 Status Remains Uncertain

Team staff are gauging his response to light work following a dry needling–related lung injury.

Overview

  • Watt practiced Wednesday for the first time since his procedure and was officially listed as a limited participant.
  • Practice video showed him confined to individual drills and avoiding pass‑rush dummy work, indicating a cautious ramp‑up.
  • Mike Tomlin offered no new availability update, saying medical clearance will drive any decision despite his belief Watt has recovered from surgery.
  • Doctors will evaluate Watt through the week to determine if he can face the Browns, with his return timeline still described as uncertain.
  • Pittsburgh has won two straight without him and can clinch the AFC North this week, while Nick Herbig, Jaylen Warren, James Pierre and Isaac Seumalo were also limited in practice.