Steelers Star Returns To Practice


The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a huge disappointment thus far in 2022, and while part of that is due to the changes at Quarterback and the lack of consistency on the offensive side of the ball, a major hit to their season occurred all the way back in Week 1, when the team lost the reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt to a pectoral injury. Many believed at the time it would end his season, but the team got good news, as it was only expected to keep him out a few months, and now, ahead of a must-win game in Week 8 against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, Watt has returned to practice for the first time.

The Steelers have not yet activated him from the Injury List, so it's unclear yet if he will be able to suit up for the interstate matchup, but if he can't get back and the Steelers fall to 2-6 behind Cincinnati and Baltimore, it's hard to see them having a chance to turn their year around.

Watt was injured in the teams opening victory of the year against the Bengals, and after an incredible season a year ago, many expected him to take the next step in 2022, and lead this Steelers team to a deep playoff run. Unfortunately, injuries happen, and even if this young team can't step up and make a run to a playoff spot in the AFC, it would still be great to see T.J. return to the field and find some of the form that made him the NFL's best defensive player in 2021.

Photo Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports