Watt is expected to return to action against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
After suffering a pectoral injury in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher said Friday he plans to play and won’t miss any time.
It’s long overdue. I feel very, very positive about the week I’ve had,” Watt told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko.
After opening the practice window for Watt late last month, the Steelers have yet to activate the edge rusher off injured reserve, which could take until Saturday.
A Steelers defense that has struggled to consistently rush the passer without the Defensive Player of the Year should gain from Watt’s return. With Watt on the field in Week 1, the unit generated seven sacks. Since then, the unit has recorded eight sacks, ranking 26th in the NFL for total sacks.
Pittsburgh is allowing 24.6 points per game (23rd in the NFL) and 395.1 yards per game (29th) in 2022, both of which are the worst in the Mike Tomlin era. Pittsburgh is also averaging just 1.9 sacks per game.