Steelers Injury Update: OLB T.J. Watt Full Practice Participant, Feels ‘Really Good’ about Status vs. Packers

PITTSBURGH — Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt practiced in full for the second consecutive day on Friday, he confirmed after practice, and appears to be in good shape to return from his groin injury to the Steelers’ lineup in Green Bay on Sunday.

“I feel really good,” Watt said. “I was able to get a full practice yesterday. I was able to get a full practice today. I feel really good about where my body is at and where I’m at this week.”

Watt injured his groin in in the first half of the Steelers’ Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He practiced all week leading up to the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday, but in a limited capacity each day. 

Watt said last Friday that he felt he had done enough to leave the door open to him playing against the Bengals, and he was originally listed as questionable before being downgraded to out on Saturday.

“Just playing it smart with my body,” Watt explained. “Groin injuries and a lot of soft tissue injuries can be very tricky, so we’re being cautious about how I feel I going into a game and listening to my body.”

Without Watt and fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, the Steelers did not record a hit or sack against Cincinnati, something that Watt knows will need to change against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.

“No added pressure,” Watt said. “We’re built for moments like this.”