T.J. Watt's Injury Timeline Updated by NFL Insider Amid Steelers' Playoff Bracket Push

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt could return from a partially collapsed lung in Week 18 or at the beginning of the playoffs, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"My understanding is Watt is expected to be available for the Steelers' next meaningful game," Pelissero reported on NFL GameDay. "The only question is, is that next week against the Ravens or not until the Wild Card round?"

If the Baltimore Ravens lose on Saturday or the Steelers win on Sunday without Watt, Pittsburgh would clinch the AFC North title and secure its spot in the playoffs.

In that scenario, the Steelers would earn the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoff picture.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars owning the No. 3 spot in the conference with an 11-4 record while Pittsburgh sits at 9-6, a win by Jacksonville on Sunday would prevent the Steelers from moving any higher in the standings if they're able to clinch the AFC North.

With a Week 18 battle against Baltimore potentially becoming meaningless in terms of playoff positioning, it's understandable that Pittsburgh would want to give Watt more time to recover.

The eight-time Pro Bowler hasn't played since Dec. 7, as he suffered a lung injury following a dry needling treatment at the Steelers facility that ultimately required surgery.

Watt returned to practice as a limited participant leading up to Pittsburgh's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but was ruled out of the contest.

He's remained one of the NFL's most imposing pass-rushers this season, recording 53 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 13 games. Watt has also compiled 43 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Steelers will look to give the 31-year-old some more time to recover and lock up a playoff spot with a win over the 3-12 Browns. Kickoff on Sunday is at 1 p.m. ET.