Randy Fichtner hints that FB Derek Watt could play bigger role in Steelers offense

Derek Watt hasn’t provided the durability he displayed before the Pittsburgh Steelers gave him a three-year, $9.75 million contract.

The 28-year-old fullback — and older brother of Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt — has appeared in just five games this season after playing in 64 consecutive games during his four years with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.

And when Watt has been available, his playing time primarily has come on special teams.

That could change Sunday when the Steelers put their 9-0 record on the line at the 1-8 Jacksonville Jaguars. With the Steelers running game averaging fewer than 50 yards for three consecutive weeks, Watt could be used more frequently to block for James Conner, Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland.

“I see it coming,” offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said Thursday, “and it couldn’t be at a better opportunity or time because we are right halfway (through the season). It’s time to use him.”

Watt was slowed in training camp because of an undisclosed offseason surgery. Then, he injured his hamstring in Week 3 against Houston and has missed games against Philadelphia, Baltimore, Tennessee and Dallas.

Watt’s four offensive snaps against the Cleveland Browns were the only ones he took until he reappeared last Sunday against Cincinnati and was on the field for six plays. By comparison, Watt played 25 special teams snaps against the Bengals.

Fichtner said the time Watt missed in training camp was crucial.

“That probably put him behind the eight ball a little bit, maybe a little bit with us,” Fichtner said. “He’s ahead of it now. It’s time to figure out how to use him the best, what we can get out of it. It’s got to be a part of our football moving forward because it can help.”

The Steelers didn’t traditionally rely on a fullback in the seasons before Watt’s arrival. With or without a fullback, the Steelers also have tried using an extra blocker at tight end in an attempt to improve the running game, which ranks No. 24 in the NFL in yards per game and No. 27 in yards per attempt.

Another problem with getting Watt on the field is it means a wide receiver or tight end Eric Ebron must head to the sideline. The Steelers have overcome their running deficiencies by using four receivers and a tight end to considerable success.

“Sometimes in certain weeks by putting him in a personnel group, we can create maybe the structures we want to attack with the bodies they would attempt to play us in that personnel group,” Fichtner said. “Sometimes, it’s really unique and you want to get to it. You want to have a plan off of it. Some weeks it may take a back seat whether he’s healthy or not because it might not be in our best interest per se.”