T.J. Watt Returns to Practice After Lung Injury In a highly anticipated move, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star linebacker T.J. Watt returned to practice on Wednesday, marking his first on-field appearance since sustaining a partially punctured lung during a dry needling treatment two weeks ago. Watt's recovery and return to the field have been closely watched by both the team and its passionate fanbase, as the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a vital component of the Steelers' defensive unit. Watt's injury, which occurred during a routine treatment session, required subsequent reparative surgery to address the puncture. The initial news of the alarming injury sparked concerns about the 28-year-old's availability for the team's upcoming games, as lung injuries can often involve lengthy recovery periods. However, Watt's swift progress and return to practice have provided a much-needed morale boost for the Steelers, who have struggled to a 1-2 start to the 2022 NFL season. The team's defense, which has traditionally been the backbone of its success, has looked uncharacteristically porous in the absence of their defensive leader. "It's great to have T.J. back out there on the practice field," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during his Wednesday press conference. "He's been working incredibly hard to get to this point, and we're all excited to see him take the next step in his recovery process." Watt, who is known for his relentless work ethic and tenacious playing style, has been instrumental in the Steelers' defensive resurgence over the past several seasons. Since being drafted by the team in 2017, he has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers, earning three Pro Bowl selections and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award. Last season, Watt's impact was felt across the board, as he led the NFL in sacks (22.5), tackles for loss (21), and quarterback hits (39). His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been a key factor in the Steelers' defensive dominance, and his absence has been palpable in the team's early-season struggles. "When you lose a player of T.J.'s caliber, it's going to have a significant impact on your team," said veteran linebacker Myles Jack, who has taken on a larger role in Watt's absence. "But we've been working hard to fill that void and maintain the same level of intensity and execution on the defensive side of the ball." The Steelers' defense has indeed faced its fair share of challenges without Watt, surrendering an average of 24.3 points per game through the first three weeks of the season. This is a stark contrast to the team's defensive prowess in 2021, when they allowed just 19.5 points per game, good for the seventh-best mark in the league. As Watt takes the field once again, the Steelers and their fans are hopeful that his return will help stabilize the defense and provide a much-needed spark to the team's overall performance. The four-time Pro Bowler's ability to disrupt opposing offenses, generate turnovers, and make game-changing plays has been sorely missed in the early stages of the 2022 campaign. "Having T.J. back out there is just a huge boost for our entire team," said veteran defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. "He's a game-changer, plain and simple. His presence alone changes the way opposing offenses have to approach us, and we're all excited to see him back in action." While Watt's return to practice is certainly a positive development, it remains to be seen how quickly he will be able to regain his dominant form and be fully cleared to participate in game action. The Steelers' medical staff will undoubtedly take a cautious approach in monitoring Watt's progress, ensuring that he is fully healed and ready to assume his familiar role as the centerpiece of the team's defense. "We're going to take things one day at a time with T.J.," Tomlin said. "The most important thing is that he continues to progress and feels confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. We'll work closely with him and our medical team to determine the best course of action moving forward." As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the New York Jets, the anticipation surrounding Watt's potential return to the field is palpable. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his practice participation and any updates on his status leading up to Sunday's game. If Watt is able to make a successful return to the lineup in the coming weeks, it could provide a much-needed boost to the Steelers' playoff aspirations. With their star linebacker back in the fold, the team's defense will once again be poised to spearhead a resurgence and help the Steelers climb back into contention in the competitive AFC North division.