Since the Steelers’ victory against Cincinnati to start the season, TJ Watt hasn’t been available to them, but that may soon change. The Steelers declared the edge-rushing linebacker to be returning off injured reserve on Wednesday, giving Watt a window of 21 days to rejoin the active roster. Watt practiced again on Wednesday but will continue to sit out of games until his full participation is determined.
The category corresponds to Watt’s first schedule after he decided against having surgery on his damaged pectoral muscle in favor of rest and rehabilitation. He now has three weeks to get well and get the okay to play. The season will continue with him on injured reserve (IR), a less frequent consequence that did happen to Steelers receiver Calvin Austin, whose 21-day deadline closed before he could return. Pittsburgh’s defense has had trouble in every area without Watt.
