rewrite this title Steelers DC gives massive T.J. Watt hint for pivotal Week 18 clash vs. Ravens

Baltimore Ravens (8-8) star quarterback Lamar Jackson seems to be on track to start his club’s win-or-go-home game at the rival Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) this coming Sunday night. 

On Thursday, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin suggested that Pittsburgh star pass-rusher T.J. Watt will also be able to participate in the matchup that will determine which club wins the AFC North and which won’t play a meaningful game again before September.

Steelers have “great” T.J. Watt news?

“It’ll be great to have him back,” Austin said about Watt, per Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “In what capacity, we won’t know until Sunday, but it’ll be great to have him back.”

Watt missed three straight games due to a partially collapsed lung he suffered during a dry needling treatment session at the Steelers’ facility. On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he was “optimistic” Watt could play at least a handful of snaps in this Sunday’s showdown at Acrisure Stadium.

Meanwhile, Jackson missed Baltimore’s Week 17 win over the Green Bay Packers because of what was previously referred to as a “pretty significant” back bruise. He was a full participant for Wednesday’s practice. 

Is latest T.J. Watt update a smokescreen?

Per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot, league insider Ian Rapoport said during Thursday’s edition of NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” show that he thinks Watt will likely be unable to play if the 31-year-old isn’t a full practice participant by Friday. 

Fellow NFL insider Adam Schefter also addressed Watt’s status during Thursday’s episode of the “Get Up” program.

“That’s still up in the air,” Schefter said about Watt possibly playing against the Ravens. “He’s been a limited participant in practice…he didn’t do a whole lot in practice [Wednesday]. I still think this is one of those things that the Steelers are feeling out. They’re hopeful, they’re optimistic, but they don’t know quite yet that he’ll be able to bounce back.”

ESPN stats show that Watt is second on the Steelers with seven sacks for the season, behind only Alex Highsmith (8.5). As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook continued to list Pittsburgh as a 3.5-point home underdog versus Baltimore.