Sunday update: Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk has been ruled out. He remains in the Reserve/Injured, Designated for Return List.
Saturday Report: The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Monday night’s Wild Card game against the Houston Texans, and they continue to be a team on the mend health-wise.
The only player who didn’t practice on Saturday was guard Isaac Seumalo, who was getting a veteran day of rest. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was limited, also just for rest purposes.
During a time of year when every healthy body is needed, being healthy is more than welcomed.
“It’s a good feeling,” said cornerback Brandin Echols. “It’s a good sign because we’ve all built our chemistry over the course of the year, so for all of us to be here and be able to go out there and play together in a meaningful game like this, it means a lot for us.”
While the Steelers have had their share of injuries, including multiple starters on the Reserve/Injured List, they still are in good shape health-wise.
“It would be great to have guys like Darnell (Washington) and people who started the season and are now on IR,” said receiver Calvin Austin III. “So, to have a majority of our players back at this standpoint is always big in this league.
“Injuries are a part of the game. So, it’s always good to go into a game with a relatively 100 percent roster.
“And having DK back, it just helps the entire offense schematically. It gives the defense more to think about. Obviously, DK demands attention, so it just opens up the entire offense for everybody.”
Linebacker T.J. Watt returned last week against the Ravens after missing three straight games due to his lung issue.
And he came out of the game in good shape.
Watt said after practice on Saturday that he felt great following a week’s work.
“I feel great,” said Watt. “Really confident with how last week went. Body feels really good. Extra day is really helpful, obviously for a lot of guys in this locker room. I’m just excited to go out and play in front of Steelers Nation again.”
Watt played 83% of the defensive snaps against the Ravens, a total of 43 snaps, and had an interception.
“I’m not surprised at anything I get from T.J.,” said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “I know the way the guy is always in shape.
“He had a setback, but it wasn’t one of those things where you worry about him getting so far out of shape or so weak that he wouldn’t be able to work. So, it was good to get 43 snaps out of him.”
Austin said he kept an eye on Watt during the Ravens game, checking in with him during it and Watt assured him he was good to go.
But it still was a challenge.
“You’ve got a guy that’s missed three weeks,” said Austin. “Coming back, everybody thinks, ‘Oh, I’ll just come back in and be the same guy I was.’
“It’s going to take you a minute to get your legs underneath you, get used to the timing of everything. People don’t realize how much pass rush is a lot about timing and hand usage.
“There’s a whole bunch that goes into it, and as you get back, and get back into the game, you have to get those things working again.
“I assume he’ll be better this week than he was (last) week, and we’ll take it from there.”
Following the Ravens game, Watt immediately said that he felt well and just wanted to see how this week played out.
“Honestly, I am really pleased with how I felt,” said Watt. “Hats off to the training staff, strength staff for getting me ready to go. Felt great out there.”
Defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk returned to practice on Friday, although he remains on the Reserve/Injured, Designated for Return List. He was limited again on Saturday, and is questionable for Monday night’s game.
“It was a long time coming,” said Loudermilk. “A lot of work was put in to try to get back, but get back healthy. Being able to be out there and getting a little taste of that again, it felt great.”
Loudermilk said getting back on the field completely changes his mindset.
“It is different,” said Loudermilk. “Doing the rehab, you come in and you’re not really thinking football. You’re thinking, how do I get better so I can get back and play football.
“Now I walk in, and I can go out there and practice and play the game. Being out there, the energy is there. It’s just a different feeling.”
Loudermilk didn’t know if he would make it back on the practice field before the end of the season, but is thrilled that he did.
“It’s what I was shooting for,” said Loudermilk. “When it first happened, we weren’t sure if there would be a shot. But they said there was a shot so I knew I had to work as hard as I can to try to make it back for this.
“The team’s been in a great position. So hopefully I can just keep working and make something happen.”
The full injury and status report is below.
