Steelers OLB T.J. Watt Returns to Practice in Full, Expected to Play Sunday

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice on Wednesday, and head coach Mike Tomlin expects that he will be able to play in Sunday’s season opener at Buffalo.


Watt, who had not participated in any team drills since the start of training camp while attempting to negotiate a contract extension with the team, was a full participant in practice for the first time this season.

Tomlin had said on Tuesday that he expected Watt to participate fully as the team earnestly began its prep for the Bills Wednesday, and that proved to be true, though there has been no news of a contract extension.

It was just one practice, and not a full-contact one at that, but Tomlin didn’t see anything to suggest that Watt will not be able to play this Sunday.

“I thought he looked good,” Tomlin said. He was engaged. He’s been a full participant in walk-throughs and things of that nature. He’s a smart guy. He can learn from watching others and it’s evident in watching him work today.”