The Pittsburgh Steelers got huge news on the T.J. Watt injury front on Wednesday.
According to video from ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the star edge rusher was taking part in practice on Wednesday, which marks his first participation since suffering a lung injury a few weeks back.
"A Christmas Eve gift for the Steelers: TJ Watt is back on the practice field today," Pryor reported.
This now gives Watt a chance to play in what could be a crucial Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns. At the very least, it means that Watt will likely be back by Week 18, at the latest.
Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung after a dry needling session at the team's facility on Dec. 10 that led to a trip to the hospital and surgery.
The specifics of that situation remain unclear, though, and the Steelers have been mum on the details and how long Watt might be out.
The Steelers may or may not have something to play for when they square off against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
That will depend upon the outcome of the Green Bay Packers versus Baltimore Ravens game on Saturday. If the Ravens lose, the Steelers win the division.
However, if Baltimore wins, the Steelers would have to beat the Browns in order to lock up the division this week. If Pittsburgh loses following a Baltimore win, the Week 18 contest between the AFC North rivals will determine the division.
Even if the Steelers have nothing to play for, it would be wise to get Watt some snaps to shake off some of the rust he'll have after not playing since Dec. 7.
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