T.J. Watt is a game-time decision for the Pittsburgh Steelers' must-win Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens. On January 2, 2026, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Watt appears to be on the brink of playing.
What's the latest on T.J. Watt's status?
The Steelers listed Watt as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday, and head coach Mike Tomlin has said that practice participation will be the biggest sign of Watt's status.
The team is being careful with Watt, who has missed the last three games due to his health. But confidence inside the Steelers' building is growing, with defensive coordinator Teryl Austin saying that Watt's return would be a big boost.
How important is T.J. Watt to the Steelers?
Watt is a game-changer whenever he plays, and the Steelers are hoping that he'll be able to play on Sunday night. A win against the Ravens would mean a playoff spot for the Steelers, while a loss would end their season.
The Steelers will announce Watt's final status later on Friday. Until then, the feeling remains that he's close to playing. Rapoport explained that the only concerning thing for the Steelers is that Watt has not been a full participant in practice yet.
What does this mean for the Steelers' playoff chances?
The Steelers are hoping that Watt's return will give them a boost against the Ravens. The team has not practiced yet on Friday, and Watt's participation will be a big sign of his status. If he's able to play, it could be a big difference-maker for the Steelers.
The Steelers' players and coaches are sounding hopeful that Watt will be able to play on Sunday night. Team captain Cameron Heyward said that even a limited Watt makes a big difference, especially after he missed the last three games due to his health.
What's next for T.J. Watt and the Steelers?
The Steelers will face the Ravens on Sunday night at Acrisure Stadium. The game is a must-win for the Steelers, and Watt's status will be a big factor in the outcome. The team is hoping that he'll be able to play and help them secure a playoff spot.
Rapoport said that if Watt is not a full participant on Friday, then it's likely that he won't play on Sunday night. But for now, the feeling is that he's close to playing, and the Steelers are hopeful that he'll be able to suit up against the Ravens.
The Steelers' playoff chances are on the line, and Watt's status is a big factor. The team is being careful with him, but they're also hopeful that he'll be able to play and help them win. On January 2, 2026, the Steelers were still waiting to see if Watt would be able to play, but they were sounding hopeful that he'd be able to suit up,
Watt's return would be a big boost for the Steelers, who are looking to secure a playoff spot. The team has not had a full practice with Watt yet, but they're hoping that he'll be able to play on Sunday night. The Steelers will announce Watt's final status later on Friday, and until then, the feeling remains that he's close to playing.