Is TJ Watt playing today? The Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher has been cleared to return from a partially collapsed lung in the ultimate high-stakes showdown. Watt will suit up for tonight’s AFC North title game against the Baltimore Ravens. Everything Pittsburgh’s playoff future hinges on this winner-take-all clash.
🔥 Quick Facts
- TJ Watt is active and returning after missing 3 games with lung injury from dry needling treatment
- Game kicks off at 8:20 PM ET on January 4, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh
- Winner takes the AFC North title and secures critical playoff spot as No. 4 seed
- Lamar Jackson also active for Ravens after recovering from back injury, making it a true heavyweight championship clash
TJ Watt Returns From Partially Collapsed Lung Surgery
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TJ Watt shocked the NFL when he underwent surgery for a partially collapsed lung on December 10 after suffering the injury during a dry needling treatment at Pittsburgh’s facility. The four-time All-Pro linebacker missed the Steelers’ last three games while recovering from the traumatic incident. But in remarkable fashion, he’s been cleared to return just three weeks post-surgery.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Watt expressed his gratitude and confidence in his recovery. “I feel pretty good,” he stated. “I feel really confident about the week of practice, and I’m excited to play.” The veteran pass rusher completed a full practice week and entered the contest with no game designation, signaling his complete readiness.
“I got dry needling at the facility. Didn’t feel right shortly afterwards. I was in a significant amount of pain. 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.”
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— TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers Pass Rusher
AFC North Title Game Features Star-Studded Matchup Tonight
| Team | Record | Key Storyline |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-7 | TJ Watt returns; Aaron Rodgers seeks playoff berth |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8-8 | Lamar Jackson healthy; Derrick Henry dominant |
Both teams arrive in pristine condition for this winner-take-all matchup. The Steelers lost Week 17 to Cleveland, keeping their playoff hopes on life support. Pittsburgh has been hot otherwise, winning three of their last four contests heading into tonight. Going without suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Steelers need every advantage they can get.
The Ravens stayed alive courtesy of Pittsburgh’s loss and their dominant victory over Green Bay. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is fully healthy and ready to lead Baltimore’s offense against a Steelers defensive unit bolstered by Watt’s return. The Ravens can claim their third consecutive AFC North title with a road victory in Pittsburgh.
TJ Watt Caps Remarkable Career Resilience Story
Watt entered the 2025 season already having dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro has accumulated 115 sacks across his nine-year Steelers tenure, making him one of the franchise’s most dominant defensive forces.
This season marked a down year statistically for Watt compared to his historical output, registering 7 sacks with 10 tackles for loss and 53 total tackles in just 13 games. Yet his presence on defense remains invaluable, particularly in high-pressure situations. Watt was selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl alongside veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey, acknowledging his continued excellence despite the down numbers and injury setback.
Pittsburgh’s Championship Legacy Depends on Tonight
The Steelers haven’t won an AFC North title since 2020, making tonight’s showdown even more critical for Pittsburgh’s storied franchise. Head coach Mike Tomlin will oversee what could be one of the most important games of his tenure. The Steelers have been among the league’s better teams down the stretch, but one loss in Week 17 puts them on the brink.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘s future likely hangs in the balance as well. The legendary veteran joined Pittsburgh mid-season and now faces a playoff-or-bust scenario on Sunday night. Rodgers managed both the loss to Cleveland and must now lead the charge in a winner-go-home contest at home. The loser’s playoff dreams end immediately, making every snap count.
Will the AFC North title come down to TJ Watt’s impact on the field tonight?
The real story of this game may ultimately be TJ Watt’s physical and mental state following such a traumatic injury. Playing defensive end, Watt typically pressures opposing quarterbacks off the edge. Tonight, he’ll face Lamar Jackson, one of the league’s most mobile and dangerous signal-callers. Watt’s ability to generate pressure and disrupt the Ravens’ offense could prove decisive.
Pittsburgh’s defense needs Watt at his best to contain Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 216 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Packers last week. Watt has indicated he feels great and harbors zero concerns about his health. Whether Watt’s remarkable recovery and return from lung replacement surgery proves decisive in determining the AFC North champion remains the central question.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official reporting on TJ Watt’s recovery and return status
- Yahoo Sports – Live coverage analysis and AFC North title game implications
- ESPN – Player health updates and game preview content
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.