Steelers' T.J. Watt (lung) may return for AFC North title game - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Coach Mike Tomlin is «optimistic» that star pass rusher T.J. Watt will be available to play in the Steelers' AFC North title showdown in the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

«I'm optimistic about his potential inclusion in this game,» Tomlin said of Watt, who hasn't played since suffering a partially punctured lung during a dry needling treatment on Dec. 10. «We'll work him up throughout the course of the week and let the amount of participation and the quality of participation be our guide in terms of whether or not he's a participant.

»But certainly more optimistic this week than I have been in previous weeks as I stand here today."

Watt last played in the Steelers' 27-22 Week 14 win against the Ravens, recording six tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. He has seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and an interception this season.

Watt had surgery to repair his lung Dec. 11 and was released from the hospital Dec. 12. He returned to practice last week as a limited participant each day, but he didn't play in the 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Tomlin explained Tuesday that the team is exercising caution with Watt's return and that contributed to the decision to keep him sidelined in Week 17.

«He's coming off of a medical circumstance different than the injury circumstance,» Tomlin said. «And so certainly he has a certain level of health, but we want to be cautious about how we work him back into the fold and certainly he's done appropriate things in that area as well.»

Tomlin said he would be more «comfortable» in making a decision about Watt if he's a full participant in practice this week, though the coach added that he's not concerned about