The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, moving practice to Acrisure Stadium.
The only player who didn’t practice was guard Isaac Seumalo because he was rested, and he doesn’t have an injury designation. Nor do any other players.
And for the first time in a month linebacker T.J. Watt hasn’t been ruled out on a Friday. And this week, he doesn’t even have an injury designation.
Watt, who missed the last three games due to his lung issue, was a full participant for the first time since dealing with his issue.
“You always want a guy that has T.J.’s ability and the ability to impact the game the way he does,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “So, it’ll be great to have him back. What capacity we’ll find out really, not till Sunday. But it’ll great to have him back.
“I would think that he’ll only strengthen our group and how we play and all those things.”
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward knows getting Watt back will mean a lot to the defense, but he wants to make sure they get the full Watt.
“We’re going to need all the tools we can get,” said Heyward. “Baltimore’s coming here and having T.J. back definitely stabilizes our group. But we’re not just looking to throw him out there and everybody be scared. We need T.J. to play T.J. ball.”
Rookie Jack Sawyer, who has stepped up all season due to injuries, is ready to do whatever is asked of him this week.
“It means everything to this defense, and not only just the defense, but the whole team having our captain back,” said Sawyer. “One of the best to ever do it. To put a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform on, the energy he brings and the intensity he brings, ignites the whole team.
“Having him back would be huge.”
Sawyer said he still wants to do his part to help, and a rotation is something he knows could be the case.
“Whatever I can to help him. He’s one of the best ever do it at the position. Having T.J., Alex (Highsmith), and Herbig, and then I feel like I’m able to add value anywhere I can and give those guys a break and not let any drop off happen when I come in.”
On the offensive side of the ball, receiver Calvin Austin III is looking like he will be back after missing the Browns game with a hamstring injury.
“Calvin’s a fast guy,” said quarterback Aaron Rodgers. “Good route runner. Been consistent for us when he’s been healthy, and it’d be good to have him back.”
Another player who is expected to return to the field this week is cornerback Brandin Echols.
“I was ready last week to get back, just to be ready to play these guys,” said Echols. “It’s a blessing to be able to come out here, step on the field with these guys, do it again.”
Echols’ absence caused the Steelers to move guys around last week against the Browns, so having him back would solidify the secondary once again.
“It kind of frees Jalen (Ramsey) up to play around a little bit,” said Heyward. “And then Echols makes plays, whether it’s picking off the ball, sacking Lamar (Jackson) last time.
“He is a force in run and pass. Knows where he needs to be, and he’s an established guy.”
In a week where it’s about needing every healthy body, linebacker Malik Harrison is also a key factor this week.
Harrison, who suffered a bone bruise against the Browns, is no stranger to the Steelers-Ravens rivalry. He spent his first five seasons with the Ravens, before signing a free agent contract with the Steelers this offseason.
“He’s been outstanding,” said Austin. “I know he got banged up in the first game of the year and he missed some time. But since he’s been back, he’s been really good.
“We try to use him in the run situations and he’s a stout run defender. He’s a big human. Good guy. And so, he’s really impactful. I know in the first game he got injured, but he was playing well and playing physical, and doing the things that we needed him to do. So, we’ll expect that again this week.
“But he has been giving that for us and it’s been really beneficial. It also freed Payton (Wilson) up to do the things that he does best, which is covering and blitzing and all that stuff. So, it’s kind of worked out for us.
“We’re letting guys play to their skillsets. And that’s really why we’re able to play a little bit better.”
Rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who won the Steelers Rookie of the Year earlier this week, has been back in the lineup the last two weeks after previously missing three straight games.
His presence has been felt and will be needed again this week with a healthy Harmon required to help stop Derrick Henry and the Ravens ground game.
“Derrick’s definitely ahead of the game, plays with strong hands, understands the playbook a lot better than a lot of rookies, and I just think he’s got a good feel for the game this early on,” said Heyward. “Definitely helps having him out there, makes our rotation a lot bigger, and he’s going to disrupt a lot in the game too.”
Harmon missed the Steelers Week 14 game against the Ravens, so Heyward said they made sure he is well versed on the rivalry.
“Bring your kick (butt),” said Heyward. “We’ve got a game to play, and Derrick is well equipped for it.
“But these teams have always been just both guys bludgeoning each other, taking shots and it comes down to the fourth quarter.”
The full injury and status report is below.
