Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy gave a positive update on the status of outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who was added to the Pittsburgh Steelers injury report on Thursday with a calf issue.
McCarthy, speaking to reporters in Paris, just after the Steelers landed in France, said that he is optimistic about Watt being able to play on Sunday, despite the injury.
“I would say no,” McCarthy replied when asked if he was concerned about Watt’s status. “We’ll work the guys here and see how they respond. Tomorrow’s practice will answer all of those questions.”
Watt was not included on the team’s final injury report for Friday and is officially expected to play on Sunday.
Watt did not practice on Wednesday, but that absence was listed as just for rest purposes. He was limited in practice on Thursday with the calf injury. Watt was in the locker room after practice, and did not seem to be visibly hobbled by the injury.
Watt has had a strong start to the 2026 season. In six games, he has 4.5 sacks, 15 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two passes defended and an interception returned for a touchdown.
T.J. Watt just recorded the 10th interception of his career.
— The Sports Geek (@TheSports_Geek) September 13, 2026
And for the first time ever, he took one all the way to the house. His first career pick-six 🔥 pic.twitter.com/txjIOohoE0
Watt missed three games toward the end of the 2025 season, after suffered a partially collapsed lung during a routine training room procedure. He has not missed a game due to an injury since suffering a torn pectoral muscle in the opener of the 2022 season, which cost him seven games.
The Steelers canceled their practice on Friday, citing rain and strong winds at Stade de France. They will have one final practice session before the game on Saturday.
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