No timetable for Steelers OLB T.J. Watt to take part in first training camp practice
While the Pittsburgh Steelers practice team drills during training camp at Heinz Field, T.J. Watt continues to work on his conditioning.
Watt and defensive end Stephon Tuitt have spent portions of camp practices running the width of the end zone. Neither veteran player has suited up for 11-on-11 work a week into camp, spanning seven sessions.
Coach Mike Tomlin didn’t provide much of an update on Watt, the NFL’s defensive player of the year runner-up, when asked about Thursday about the outside linebacker’s lack of participation.
“I’m just day-to-day,” Tomlin said. “Probably the same level of anticipation (to return to practice) as Tuitt and others. I’m focused on the guys who are working and their opportunities and the process that this group is collectively going through.”
When asked whether Watt is dealing with an injury, Tomlin said he is not required to disclose injuries at this portion of training camp. So he didn’t.
The only injuries Tomlin mentioned were to running back Jaylen Samuels, who “limped off” early with a lower-body injury. Tight end Dax Raymond was shaken up late in the practice-ending two-minute drill.
In addition to Watt and Tuitt, players that did not practice were cornerback Joe Haden (likely a day off) and tight end Eric Ebron (elbow). Among prior injuries, offensive linemen Zach Banner, Chuks Okorafor and Kevin Dotson and linebacker Devin Bush didn’t do team drills, either.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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