Steelers OLB T.J. Watt Takes Step Forward in Injury Rehab

Pittsburgh Steelers OLB T.J. Watt DT Larry Ogunjobi
Pittsburgh Steelers defenders Larry Ogunjobi and T.J. Watt at practice on Dec. 18, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH —Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, the first step toward him potentially returning to action against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

Watt first sprained his left ankle late in the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He was walking around after the game and said an x-ray revealed no broken bones. Watt characterized the injury as a low-ankle sprain, as opposed to the more-serious high-ankle sprain.

He did not practice with the team on Tuesday, but was seen running during the early portion of Wednesday’s practice. Watt will likely need to be a greater participant on Thursday to have a real chance to play in Friday’s game.

Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was also a limited participant as he returns from a groin injury suffered in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. He was also limited on Tuesday.

Strong safety DeShon Elliott was at practice for the second time since his hamstring injury against Cleveland. He was at practice running with team athletic trainers last Friday, but was not spotted during Tuesday’s session. 

Wide receiver George Pickens was at practice and participated in some individual drills for the second straight day, despite being listed as did not practice. Quarterback Justin Fields also attended practice, but was in sweats for the session.

Cornerback Donte Jackson, who is dealing with a pinched nerve in his back, was not spotted during the open portion of practice.

Pittsburgh Steelers SS DeShon Elliott
Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety DeShon Elliott at practice on Dec. 18, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT

PlayerInjuryDate PrognosisTuesWedThursGame
QB Justin FieldsAbdomenDec. 15Day to dayDNPDNPQST
OLB T.J. WattLeft low ankle sprainDec. 15Day to dayDNPLPQST
SS DeShon ElliottHamstringDec. 8Day to dayDNPDNPQST
CB Donte JacksonBack/pinched nerveDec. 8Day to dayDNPDNPQST
DT Larry OgunjobiGroinDec. 8Day to dayLPLPQST
WR George PickensHamstringDec. 6Day to dayDNPDNPQST

STEELERS INJURED RESERVE

PlayerInjuryDate PrognosisRoster Status
OT Calvin AndersonGroinDec. 13Four weeksInjured reserve
CB Zyon GilbertKneeNov. 16TBDPractice squad IR
CB C.J. HendersonNeckNov. 14Week to weekInjured reserve
CB Anthony AverettTBDOct. 17TBDPractice squad IR
WR Roman WilsonHamstringOct. 17Week to weekInjured reserve
DE DeMarvin LealNeck/stingerOct. 6Out for seasonInjured reserve
RG James DanielsAchillesSept. 29Out for seasonInjured reserve
RT Troy FautanuR knee dislocationSept. 20Regular seasonInjured reserve
P Cameron JohnstonRight kneeSept. 8Out for seasonInjured reserve
SS Ryan WattsNeck/stingerAug. 24Out for seasonInjured reserve
DL Logan LeeCalfAug. 20Week to weekInjured reserve
C Nate HerbigTorn rotator cuffAug. 14Out for seasonInjured reserve
OLB David PeralesLeft MCL tearJuly 31Out for seasonInjured reserve 
ILB Cole HolcombLeft knee surgeryNov. 2, 2023Week to weekPUP/reserve
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