Latest Buzz on T.J. Watt's Timeline to Return from Injury Ahead of Steelers vs. Ravens

T.J. Watt might not be ready to return from his lung injury in time to help the Pittsburgh Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens for a playoff spot in Week 18.

According to NBC Sports' Mike Florio, a "source with knowledge of the situation" says Watt is a "long shot" to play next Sunday.

"Never say never but not an ideal timeline to be fully cleared," the source said, per Florio.

Watt last played on Dec. 7 during a Week 14 win over the Ravens. He underwent surgery five days later after suffering a partially collapsed lung following a dry needling treatment.

The linebacker rejoined Steelers practice on Wednesday, two weeks after he underwent surgery on his lung. He was a limited participant in all three sessions ahead of Week 17.

Watt was present on the sideline for the Steelers' Sunday loss to the Browns.

CBS Sports reporter Tracy Wolfson said during the game that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he had "no intentions" of playing Watt in Week 17.

According to Wolfson, Tomlin said Watt "will not play until he has a full week of full participation."

That means the first indication as to the likelihood Watt is back in the lineup for Week 18 could come with Wednesday's injury report.

The Ravens stayed in the playoff race with a Saturday win over the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers could still have clinched the AFC North and a playoff spot with a Sunday win over the Cleveland Browns.

Pittsburgh was unable to get into the end zone against the Browns, however, during a 13-6 loss that left the division up for grabs by either the Steelers or Ravens.

The Ravens could also be without a key player for the must-win matchup after star quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out Saturday's win over the Packers with a back contusion.

Jackson could be a better bet to return than Watt. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Jackson is "likely" to play Sunday against the Steelers.