Watt tallied 55 tackles (23 solo), including seven sacks, along with two interceptions, eight pass defenses, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries over 14 regular-season appearances in 2025.

EDGE Analysis

Watt missed three of the Steelers' final four games of the regular season due to a partially collapsed lung. While most of his total numbers were down from the 2023 and 2024 campaigns -- when he didn't miss any games -- he was still relatively efficient in 2025 and finished third on the team in sacks despite missing three matchups. Watt returned to action for the team's Week 18 matchup against the Ravens and will continue to be available to begin the playoffs. The 2017 first-round pick signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2025 season, so he'll remain a focal point for the team's defense in 2026.

Watt (lung) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday night's AFC North clash against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran pass rusher was able to log a full practice Friday and will return from a three-game absence due to a partially collapsed lung that required a procedure to repair. Watt's return is crucial for a Steelers defense that will have its hands full containing the lethal duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, as the two teams battle for the AFC North division title and the No. 4 seed that comes with it. Watt played at least 80 percent of defensive snaps in 11 of 13 regular-season games, but he could have his snap count limited given the nature of the injury he overcame to play Sunday, which would result in Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer being used more heavily in the rotation with Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Watt (lung) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Watt logged a trio of limited practices last week but missed his third consecutive game in Week 17. There have been multiple reports that Watt is gearing up for a return Sunday against Baltimore in a game that will decide the AFFC North.

Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports that coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic about Watt (lung) being available for the Week 18 showdown with the Ravens.

EDGE Analysis

Watt has missed three consecutive weeks with a partially collapsed lung, and having the premier pass rusher available for Sunday's matchup could be huge for the Steelers' defense. The game will determine the AFC's No. 4 seed and the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. Therefore, if the outside linebacker is unable to return for the game, his season could be over. Watt logged limited practices throughout Week 17, so a full practice at any point this week would be a positive sign pointing towards the 31-year-old's ability to suit up for Week 18.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Watt's (lung) status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Ravens is "up in the air."

EDGE Analysis

Watt has missed the Steelers' last three games while recovering from a partially collapsed lung that required surgery. Sunday's winner will determine who wins the division and earns the No. 4 seed in the AFC, which may press Watt to be available in at least a limited capacity, though Rapoport relays that the Steelers will monitor Watt closely during Week 18 prep. Rookie fourth-rounder Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig have both stepped into more prominent roles on defense and likely will be used heavily in a rotation against Baltimore, regardless of whether Watt is cleared to play.

Watt (lung) is expected to return for the Steelers' Week 18 matchup against the Ravens, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The All-Pro edge rusher has already been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Browns, marking his third consecutive missed game since his lung partially collapsed. However, it now appears he's expected to return for the Week 18 divisional matchup, which could determine the AFC North title. Through 13 appearances this season, Watt has tallied 53 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles. While he remains sidelined in Week 17, expect Jack Sawyer to play an expanded role in Pittsburgh's linebacker corps.

Watt (lung) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watt managed to log a week of limited practices for the first time since his lung partially collapsed, but he ultimately will not be able to play in Sunday's divisional tilt. In the outside linebacker's absence, Jack Sawyer should continue to start for the Steelers' defense.

Watt (chest) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watt missed the Steelers' last two games while recovering from a procedure to repair a partially collapsed lung. The veteran pass rusher was able to log a limited practice to open the week, and he would likely avoid an injury designation for Sunday's AFC North tilt against the Browns if he were to fully practice by Friday. His return would likely result in rookie Jack Sawyer reverting to a rotational role behind Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Watt (lung) was spotted participating in Wednesday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 31-year-old missed the Steelers' Week 16 win over the Lions while recovering from a partially collapsed lung, but he's already returned to the field Wednesday. In 13 appearances this season, Watt has tallied 53 total tackles, including 7.0 sacks, seven passes defensed, with an interception, and three forced fumbles. The All-Pro edge rusher likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday in order to avoid an injury designation in the Week 17 matchup against the Browns.

Coach Mike Tomlin has no new updates on Watt (lung), but implied there may be participation in the early parts of Week 17, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watt has seemed to be solely focused on recovering from his partially collapsed lung, but Tomlin's comments today implied that the coaching staff is aware of the outside linebacker's progress and that he might have a chance to participate in practice this week. If the Steelers can take the win over the Browns on Sunday, they would clinch the AFC North, and Watt would have a stress-free Week 18 to further recover before Wild Card Weekend.