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Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Strange Update About TJ Watt

Originally posted on Steeler Nation
By Anthony G. Halkias II | Last updated Dec 19, 2025 3:52 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers once again found themselves offering more questions than answers when Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed TJ Watt’s status, making it clear this situation goes well beyond a typical football injury. Of course, this is not the usual type of injury Watt has dealt with in his career when he has unfortunately been forced to miss time. Watt was injured during a routine dry needling treatment at the Steelers’ facility.

The details remain murky, but the main concern for Steelers fans and Watt himself is when he can return to the field. Early assumptions from Steelers insiders are that he will attempt to play in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. On Friday, via media scrum, Tomlin said he did not have a definitive update on his star edge rusher, explaining that Watt is dealing with a medical issue rather than something that can be evaluated with a standard week to week timeline. That distinction alone raised eyebrows, especially given Watt’s importance to the Steelers’ defense and overall identity.

Here’s Mike Tomlin’s remarks on TJ Watt: “I got no update. I’m gonna let him talk. You guys see he’s back in the building. I'm just a little bit hesitant to talk about medical. It's a little bit different than injury, and so my preference is to allow him to speak for himself.” pic.twitter.com/yfgAnBOpnk
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) December 19, 2025

Tomlin did note that Watt was back in the building, which is at least a positive sign, but even that came with limited clarity. The Steelers have been careful with their language, and Tomlin’s comments suggested the team is deferring almost entirely to medical professionals rather than rushing to project a return or downplay the seriousness of the situation. Unlike a hamstring or ankle injury, this is something that requires ongoing evaluation, making it difficult for the coaching staff to speak with certainty.

For Pittsburgh, the lack of a clear update underscores just how delicate the situation is. Watt is not just another starter. He is the engine of the Steelers’ defense and one of the most impactful players in the league when healthy. Until there is more medical clarity, the Steelers appear content taking a cautious approach, even if it means living with uncertainty in the short term.

That caution explains Tomlin’s measured tone and why fans may need to prepare for patience rather than immediate answers. It sounds very unlikely that Watt will play in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions.

Steelers May Get TJ Watt Back In Week 18 Against Baltimore

Steelers insiders are now predicting this to be roughly a three-week injury for Watt, which would push his return closer to the end of the regular season. That timeline would place him back on the field in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens for the regular season finale.

At the moment, Week 17 appears to be more of a best case scenario, while Week 18 is viewed as the more realistic target. Tomlin has been extremely careful with his updates throughout the process, and his comments today did little to clarify the situation. Instead, they reinforced the sense that this is being handled cautiously, with the team prioritizing Watt’s health over rushing him back before he is fully cleared.

For Steeler Nation, this situation has been confusing and scary, and the same can be said for Watt. Steelers fans are eager to learn more details and get their superstar back on the field. The good news is that he is going to be rested. The bad news is that he may have to get into game shape quickly and then immediately turn around and prepare for the playoffs.

When would you predict that the Steelers will get TJ Watt back on the field?

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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