Steelers’ T.J. Watt ‘excited to play’ vs. Ravens after recovering from lung surgery

T.J. Watt‘s unexpected late-season absence appears to be ending.

The All-Pro edge rusher told reporters Friday he’s looking forward to participating in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win-or-go-home showdown with the rival Baltimore Ravens.

“I feel pretty good. Honestly, I don’t know if I could say that a week ago, but I feel really good,” Watt said. “I feel really confident about the week of practice, and I’m excited to play.”

The Steelers pass rusher was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Friday and has no game designation heading into Sunday.

Watt hasn’t played since Pittsburgh’s last meeting with Baltimore, a 27-22 win on Dec. 7, due to a lung injury suffered as a result of an accident that occurred while he was receiving dry needling treatment at the team’s facility.

Watt underwent surgery to repair the partially collapsed lung on Dec. 10, causing plenty of concern for Watt’s condition in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Nearly a month later, it sounds as if Watt avoided the worst and has recovered well enough to consider playing again.

“I got dry needling at the facility. Didn’t feel right shortly afterwards. I was in a significant amount of pain,” Watt recounted. “Ended up going to the hospital and getting surgery. Recovery was different because it was something I wasn’t used to, but I’m very thankful for everybody here, very thankful for Dr. (Ryan M.) Levy at UPMC for taking good care of me and helping guide this whole process back. It’s been very unique, but I feel really good sitting here today.”

As far as football is concerned, Watt couldn’t have picked a better time to attempt to return to the field.

Because Pittsburgh lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 and Baltimore defeated the Green Bay Packers, the Ravens can win the AFC North title and send the Steelers home for the winter with a win on Sunday night in the Steel City. Pittsburgh can do the same to Baltimore with a home victory and will need Watt’s involvement in order to maximize the Steelers’ chances of success.