The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a pickle with linebacker T.J. Watt.
After a relatively quiet preseason when the team allowed Watt to not participate in team drills or preseason games while his contract extension was being negotiated, they are at a bad place now.
With days until they kick off their season with a tough game against the Buffalo Bills, the contract extension is not done, and Watt has not taken reps with his team.
Though the decisions regarding Watt’s contract are coming from much higher in the organizational chart than head coach Mike Tomlin, he is in an impossible spot.
Tomlin’s Problems May Be Getting Resolved
Coach Tomlin is an advocate of players practicing during game weeks.
As of Tuesday, Watt has not practiced with his teammates though Tomlin gave the company line yesterday when asked about it.
“I remain optimistic that something will get done from a deal perspective. That aside, I’m expecting him to work tomorrow. I’m proceeding with the assumption that he’s going to work tomorrow.”
Mike Tomlin says he is operating with the assumption that TJ Watt will be a full participant in practice tomorrow
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) September 7, 2021
Watt Is Fully Participating In Practice
Turns out Tomlin was right.
Watt was at practice on Wednesday afternoon as a full participant which included team drills.
TJ Watt was back at practice today, fully participating. And yes, that includes the team period.
Joe Schobert, a fellow Wisconsinite, said it was great to be out there with Watt again.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 8, 2021
Did Ben Roethlisberger’s Comments Help?
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not mince words when asked what he thought about Watt getting a deal.
Not only did he think Watt should get what he wants, but he also said he personally took less money so that guys like Watt could get paid.
Ben Roethlisberger sending a pretty clear message to the Steelers front office: give TJ Watt everything he wants and give it to him now. pic.twitter.com/IJAtU49CPb
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 8, 2021
Back To Coach Tomlin
Things could be looking up for Tomlin.
As previously stated, Watt was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
Watt will get critical game reps in if this continues.
The fact that Watt is there points to the likelihood that the Steelers and Watt are actually very close to a deal.
With a game on Sunday, it must happen in the next few days or wait until February because the Steelers do not negotiate contracts during the season.
NEXT: Steelers Are Being Foolish With T.J. Watt Negotiations