T.J. Watt Injury Update on Star's Status for Steelers vs. Ravens in NFL Week 18

Heading into Sunday's showdown with the Baltimore Ravens that will determine the AFC North champion, the Pittsburgh Steelers could get T.J. Watt back to help their defense.

Watt confirmed to reporters on Friday that he will suit up for the winner-take-all matchup.

"I feel pretty good," Watt told reporters "Honestly, don't know if I could have said that a week ago, but I feel really good. Feel really confident about the week of practice and excited to play."

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin previously told reporters on Tuesday he was "optimistic" that Watt would be able to play in Week 18, adding that he wasn't concerned that Watt would have trouble getting back into football shape after missing time.

Watt hasn't played since Week 14 after suffering a partially collapsed lung while he was receiving dry needling treatment at the Steelers' practice facility on Dec. 10. His brother, J.J. Watt, reported two days later that T.J. had surgery and had no official return timeline.

"Didn't feel right," Watt said of the treatment. "Shortly afterwards was in a significant amount of pain. Ended up going to the hospital and, as you guys saw, ended up needing surgery, and the recovery was just different because it was something I wasn't used to, but I'm very thankful for everybody here. ... It's been very unique, but I feel really good sitting here today."

The Steelers have gone 2-1 in three games without Watt, but they missed an opportunity to clinch the division title with Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Last week marked the first time Watt practiced with the team since his surgery. He was a limited participant in each of their three practices from Wednesday through Friday, but the Steelers ruled him out for the game against the Browns after the final practice.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday that Watt was "expected to be available" for the Steelers' "next meaningful game." That came out before they played the Browns and could have secured a postseason berth early, giving him an extra week to recover before the wild-card round.

Instead, the Steelers face a must-win scenario at home against Baltimore to make the playoffs.

Watt's potential return will provide a huge boost to a Pittsburgh team looking to win its first division title since 2020. The eight-time Pro Bowler is tied for the team lead in quarterback hits (18), ranks second in sacks (seven) and third in tackles for loss (10).

"I mean, this is a huge game. Obviously, we just started the playoffs a week early, and we get to have a home game. Really excited to get back out here in front of Steeler Nation and leave it all on the field."

The Steelers will host the Ravens at Acrisure Stadium in the final regular season Sunday Night Football game in Week 18. The winner will be the No. 4 seed in the AFC playoffs and host a wild-card playoff game. The loser will be eliminated from postseason contention.