Don’t expect to see T.J. Watt in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform before the bye week, and be prepared for rookie Calvin Austin’s absence to continue for the rest of the season.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference that it’s “highly unlikely” Watt and Austin will be activated from injured reserve prior to the Steelers’ game Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

“There is no news there,” Tomlin said.

For Watt, that means despite the progress he made during a 40-minute on-field workout on Sunday night before the Steelers game against the Miami Dolphins, he will wait until after the bye to be activated.

Watt hasn’t played since the opening week when he sustained a pectoral tear. Then, he underwent knee surgery that delayed his return from injured reserve.

Watt, though, is expected to be back for the second half of the season. That’s likely not the case for Austin, the fourth-round draft pick from Memphis. The rookie receiver was designated to return Oct. 5, opening a 21-day window for his activation. That window closes Wednesday. If Austin isn’t activated, per NFL rules, he must spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.

Tomlin indicated that Austin, who injured his foot during training camp, won’t be activated.

“This guy hadn’t played in a stadium yet anyway. He hadn’t played in a preseason stadium,” Tomlin said. “It’s more about development for him. That’s the perspective I have. I’m just being realistic. Up or down, active or inactive, his overall readiness this weekend is probably not of high probability, and I’m just being straightforward.”

In other injury news, the Steelers could face the Eagles minus cornerback Levi Wallace. After returning from a one-game absence because of a concussion, Wallace injured his shoulder late in the 16-10 loss.

“His availability is in question,” Tomlin said.

Cornerback Josh Jackson has a groin injury that could limit him in practice this week. Tomlin did not provide updates on receiver/returner Steven Sims (hamstring) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring). Witherspoon has missed four games in a row, and Sims didn’t play against Miami after making a splash as a kickoff returner a week earlier against Tampa Bay.

Quarterback Kenny Pickett and tight end Pat Freiermuth played against Miami after being activated from concussion protocol, and Tomlin said neither had “issues” in post-game evaluations.

Here’s a look at what Tomlin had to say: (right-click to unmute video)

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