PITTSBURGH: For the first time this season, Steelers runner TJ Watt is expected to be fully involved in the practice. And while the Steelers have yet to finalize a deal with the All-Pro defender, coach Mike Tomlin is “optimistic.”
Tomlin said he expects Watt to be a full participant starting Wednesday afternoon’s practice.
“I remain optimistic that something will be done from the perspective of an agreement,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “Apart from that, you know, I hope he works tomorrow. I continue with the assumption that he will work tomorrow. You know, that’s the kind of approach I’m taking.”
Watt, who is entering the final year of his contract, has attended all training sessions during the preseason, but has only participated in individual parts and has not worked as a team.
The Steelers have long had an internship policy, but Tomlin declined to say how much practice it took for Watt to be available for Sunday’s season opener in Buffalo.
“I hadn’t thought much about a turning point, if you will, in terms of participation,” Tomlin said. “As I mentioned earlier, like the rest of our organization, I have been optimistic about the process that follows.
“And for that optimism, I’m anticipating a quality game for him this weekend and beyond.”
The Steelers also have a long tradition of not negotiating player contracts during the season. A year ago, the Steelers signed Cameron Heyward for an overtime on Monday in Week 1.
One policy that probably complicates Watt’s long-awaited registration deal is the organization’s history of not guaranteeing money beyond the signature bonus. Previously, the amount of money the Steelers guaranteed as a signing bond was Ben Roethlisberger’s $ 37.5 million in its April 2019 extension.
Tomlin said Watt’s unique physical abilities can allow him to be ready for the game without a full workout or preseason under his belts.
“One thing I won’t do is assume it’s normal or normal,” Tomlin said. “I think the guys who are in their position, they are in those positions because of their unique talent and ability and will.”
He compared Watt’s situation and skills to Aaron Donald and his 2018 hurdle, when he was working in Pittsburgh instead of joining the Rams for training camp while looking for his own record deal.
“I wasn’t surprised when he came to Los Angeles and acted immediately with an Aaron Donald standard,” Tomlin said. “I think guys like these guys routinely do what others can’t. And so I have a little bit of that perspective on their preparation and the expected quality of their game.
“I’ve just been in this game for a long time at this level, I’m so used to seeing people with unique talent stand up to adversity or circumstances and overcome them. I’d probably lie if I told you I would be surprised if [Watt] it didn’t work and it worked well. “