Ravens Insider: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin optimistic T.J. Watt will be available against Ravens

[ExtremeRavens]

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic star linebacker T.J. Watt’s balky ankle won’t keep him out of Saturday’s visit to Baltimore.

The perennial All-Pro twisted his left ankle late in the fourth quarter of a 27-13 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. Watt said afterward X-rays on the ankle were negative and he was in “wait and see” mode.

Tomlin said he saw Watt walking around the team’s facility on Monday morning without much issue. The 30-year-old was one of the few bright spots for the AFC North-leading Steelers (10-4) in the loss, getting two sacks and forcing a fumble. Tomlin defended having Watt in the game with Philadelphia driving up two scores in the waning minutes, saying he was playing to win.

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Watt made a notable impact in the first meeting between the AFC North rivals, as he recorded three tackles and a sack against Baltimore on Nov. 17. The Steelers held the Ravens to a season-low 16 points in a Pittsburgh. The Ravens are coming off one of their most efficient offensive performances in recent weeks, scoring 35 points and averaging 7.5 yards per play in an easy win over the Giants.

There’s a chance injured Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) would be available to practice this week as well.

Pittsburgh’s passing game has slowed in two games without Pickens. Russell Wilson has averaged 143 yards passing with Pickens out of the lineup, including a season-low 128 against the Eagles. Pickens led the Steelers with eight catches for 89 yards in the first Ravens-Steelers game, leading Pittsburgh in targets (12), receptions and receiving yards.

Baltimore Sun staff contributed to this article.

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