Could T.J. Watt suit up in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens? See what head coach Mike Tomlin said about Watt’s chances to play in the AFC North winner-take-all showdown.
Mike Tomlin on T.J. Watt
Coach Tomlin on injury updates. @PNCBank pic.twitter.com/JDjmDpi47r
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 30, 2025
It’s win or go home for the Steelers when they play the Ravens on Sunday night. Watt could return to the Steelers’ lineup in Week 18 after missing the last three games with a lung injury.
“I’m optimistic about his potential inclusion in this game,” Tomlin said about Watt’s status for Sunday. “We’ll work him up throughout the course of the week, and let the amount of participation and the quality of participation be our guide in terms of whether or not he’s a participant. But certainly more optimistic this week than I have been in previous weeks.”
Watt last played in Week 14’s win over the Ravens. Watt notched six tackles and one tackle for loss in the 27-22 victory.
Watt suffered a collapsed lung and underwent surgery to repair it on Dec. 11. Watt missed Weeks 15 and 16 before returning to practice last week as a limited participant. Ultimately, Watt did not play in the Steelers’ 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Tomlin has exercised caution with Watt, who suffered a serious medical emergency. Tomlin would feel better if Watt practiced this week before deciding his status for Sunday. Regardless, Tomlin is not worried about Watt’s conditioning.
“I doubt that T.J. is ever out of football shape or conditioning over the course of a 12-month calendar,” Tomlin said via ESPN. “I just know how he lives his life and how he prepares and 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 of it being a major concern.”
Watt has 22 tackles, seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, and one interception in 13 games this season.
Week 18 Showdown
Final week and the final chance to capture the AFC North. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/HP8tgopL8b
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 29, 2025
The AFC North will be decided on Sunday night when the Ravens (8-8) travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (9-7).
The winner of the game secures the AFC North, the No. 4 seed, and a home playoff game. The loser goes home.
Could this be the last game for Aaron Rodgers, not only in a Steelers’ uniform but also as a professional quarterback?
Does Tomlin or John Harbaugh get fired with a loss?
Are the Ravens going to explore a Lamar Jackson trade this offseason if they miss the postseason?
The game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
