So, the question everyone in Pittsburgh—and honestly, most of the NFL—is asking: is T.J. Watt playing today?
If you're looking for the short answer for Sunday, January 18, 2026: Yes, T.J. Watt is expected to be on the field. The Steelers are deep into the postseason now, and following their Wild Card victory over the Houston Texans this past Monday, they are moving into the Divisional Round. While the official kickoff times for today’s games were slightly delayed in the scheduling announcements, the Steelers' trajectory is clear. Watt isn't just "available"; he's back to being the focal point of a defense that looked lost without him just a few weeks ago.
The Scary Lung Injury That Almost Ended His Season
Let's back up for a second because what happened to Watt in December was nothing short of bizarre. It wasn't a blindside block or a turf toe. It was a "dry needling mishap" during a routine recovery session at the team facility.
Basically, a needle went too deep and caused a partially collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
He spent time in the hospital. He had surgery. For three weeks, the Steelers' defense had to survive without their heartbeat. They dropped games they shouldn't have, and the "Watt-less" stats started piling up again—you know the ones, where the Steelers' winning percentage craters whenever No. 90 isn't rushing the passer.
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But Watt is built differently.
He returned for the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on January 4th. He didn't just play; he logged 83% of the snaps and snagged an interception. After that game, he told reporters, "I feel great. Really confident with how last week went."
Why Today Is Different for No. 90
Playing today, January 18th, is a massive deal because the Steelers are officially in the "Elite Eight." After beating the Texans 26-24 on Monday night, the team has had a short week to recover, but Watt has been removed from the injury report entirely.
The lung issue is a thing of the past.
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During the Wild Card game against Houston, Watt looked like his old self. He was explosive off the edge, demanding double teams, and allowing guys like Alex Highsmith to actually get some breathing room. If you're betting on the game or just sweating it out on your couch, you should know that Mike Tomlin isn't putting him on a "pitch count" anymore.
The Stakes for the Steelers Defense
When Watt plays, the entire geometry of the field changes.
Without him, the Steelers struggle to create pressure with just four rushers. When he's in there, even if he isn't racking up three sacks a game, he forces the opposing quarterback to get rid of the ball a half-second earlier.
That half-second is the difference between a completion and a Minkah Fitzpatrick interception.
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What the Experts Are Saying
- Teryl Austin (Defensive Coordinator): Austin noted that Watt’s timing and hand usage are returning to elite levels now that he’s had a few games back under his belt.
- The Medical Staff: They’ve cleared him for full contact, and there are no lingering respiratory concerns despite the scary nature of the initial injury.
- Vegas Odds: The line for today's game reflects a "Full Strength" Steelers defense. When Watt was out in December, the spreads shifted by as much as 2.5 points. Today, the market assumes he’s a 60-minute player.
What You Should Watch For
If you’re tuning in today, keep an eye on how the opposing offensive line treats him in the first quarter. Often, teams try to test his conditioning after a lung injury by running high-tempo plays right at him.
He's been training at full capacity for over two weeks now.
He finished the 2025 regular season with 22 sacks, leading the league yet again. He’s chasing that elusive deep playoff run that has dodged him for much of his career.
Practical Steps for Fans Today
- Check the Inactives: Final lists come out 90 minutes before kickoff. While Watt isn't on the injury report, always verify he hasn't had a freak pre-game setback.
- Monitor the Weather: If it’s particularly cold or the air quality is poor in the stadium, keep an eye on his rotation. High-intensity cardio can be tougher on a recently recovered lung, though he hasn't shown issues yet.
- Watch the "Leap": If T.J. does his signature sack celebration early, you know his energy levels are at 100%.
The Steelers are underdogs today, which is exactly where they like to be. With T.J. Watt rushing from the edge, they have a "puncher's chance" against anyone. He is active, he is healthy, and he is ready to go.