In the meantime, on Christmas Eve 2025, T.J. Watt returned to Steelers practice in a big way. This was the first time he’d appeared in public since he developed a partially punctured lung while receiving a dry needling treatment. He had a reparative surgery soon after the injury and is now two weeks past that surgery. His return has generated optimism among the team and fans alike, particularly as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns.
In the run-up to practice, Watt took part as a limited participant, working on the mainly one-on-one drills with the defense. Notably, he refrained from working on pass rush moves with tackling dummies, opting instead for cardio exercises alongside defensive linemen. This hesitance seems deliberate, as lifting his limbs suddenly high in the air through dynamic actions might endanger his healing process.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin had been optimistic about Watt’s progress and leadership. He stated that Watt is “getting better every single day” and emphasized the importance of having him back on the field.
“It’s awesome to have him out there,” – Mike Tomlin
Though Watt’s return to practice is a good sign, we can’t consider him for certain to play against the Browns just yet. Tomlin acknowledged this ambiguity, saying, “That’s a fair estimation, but again, I’ll let him speak in terms of his medical.” The first-year head coach said Watt is starting to come back from his surgery. No timetable was given for when Watt will be completely cleared to resume all activities.
Nick Herbig, a situational pass rusher for the Steelers, was back at practice as a limited participant. He had missed the last game due to a hamstring issue. The combined presence of these two players in practice provides a boost to the team’s defensive lineup as they head into a critical match.
Plenty of fans have applauded Watt’s return as a “Christmas Eve gift” for Steelers Nation. This feeling underscores how important a role he has to play in the team’s success. Though his skill set is a tangible asset, it’s his leadership qualities that make him most valuable to Tomlin and teammates.
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