The Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling at 2-6 and desperately need their star pass-rusher, TJ Watt, back. He's been out since September 11th with a knee and pectoral injury, missing the last seven games. With the Steelers coming off a bye week, head coach Mike Tomlin is increasingly optimistic that Watt will finally return in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints.

Via Chris Adamski:

“Tomlin says he's “optimistic” that OLB TJ Watt and S Damontae Kazee will be activated off IR this week.”

The Steelers have lost six of their last seven without Watt. His presence defensively is absolutely huge. They were actually thinking about activating him off the IR before Week 8 against the Eagles but played it safe instead, giving him an extra couple of weeks to recover. The looming return of Damontae Kazee is crucial for Pittsburgh's secondary, too.

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In his lone appearance in 2022, TJ Watt has six tackles, one sack, and one interception. He played a key part in the Steelers upsetting the Bengals in Week 1. There is no questioning what Watt brings to the table for this team and he'll add a massive boost to the defense.

Before Week 9, Watt spoke out on his rehab and how he's working hard on getting back to 100%. Via ESPN:

“It doesn't matter if I'm coming off of whatever injury, I'm always gonna try to find a way to get better and not just be a slouch and sit on the couch and eat potato chips and ice whatever body part I'm icing,” Watt said. “I'm always trying to find a way so that when I come back, the acclimation period is as quick as possible, and I feel like I've done a good job with that. We won't know until I actually play.”

Expect TJ Watt to be activated within the coming days.