T.J. Watt and Ramon Foster, two starters who have been sidelined since the earliest days of training camp in Latrobe, were back at practice with their teammates on Monday.
Watt, who has been out since July 29 with a quadriceps injury, told DKPittsburghSports.com that he was able to participate fully and reported no problems immediately afterward.
"I feel great," the 24-year-old outside linebacker said.
Foster suffered what appeared to be a season-ending -- if not career-ending -- knee injury during the first day of padded practice on July 28. Fortunately for him and the Steelers, he suffered only what turned out to be an MCL sprain and a bone bruise.
"Seriously, nobody wants to go their whole career and end it on an injury or something like that," the veteran right guard said in his first public statements since his injury.
Though he's a free agent at season's end and B.J. Finney is waiting in the wings (they split first-team reps on Monday), Foster remains a core part of an offensive line that has been together for the last four seasons and ranks among the NFL's best. More than just his ability to block, the 32-year-old is the team's union rep and a team leader.
"Ramon is the type of guy, he understands a role that he provides, not only the tangible role in terms of his play, but the unofficial role in terms of his leadership," Mike Tomlin said. "So although we haven't had him out there, he's been really close to the group. He's done the job in that regard."
Watt, the 30th overall pick in 2017, enjoyed a strong rookie season, recording seven sacks to go along with 39 tackles and an interception. While the experience of the last month has been a little frustrating, Watt says it's nothing new and nothing he's concerned about.
"I've dealt with injuries my whole career, dating back to Wisconsin," he said. "I had the groin last year, so I know what it's like to sit out. But knowing how important the mental reps are and everything, it just allows me to come back and play fast. I feel great today."
All things considered, the timing of the injuries — and the recoveries — could not have worked out better for the Steelers, who still have 13 days before their season opener against the Browns in Cleveland. That should be enough time to allow them to work their way back into game shape.
However, Tomlin was non-committal about how much playing time -- if any -- Foster and Watt might receive during Thursday night's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field. Watt said that he'll have to "wait and see," but Tomlin is expected to address playing time during his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
The bigger question for Watt is how quickly he can re-establish a chemistry with fellow outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who missed time in camp with a concussion. They haven't received a lot of reps together, but Watt said that it shouldn't be a problem.
"I feel we're doing really well," Watt told DKPittsburghSports.com. "We've been working together in the film room and everything, (and) got a little bit of time in Latrobe. I feel confident."
Dupree and Watt will be switching sides this season with Watt on the left side and Dupree on the right.
"It's important," Dupree said of working with Watt. "We've got a whole week this week, and we've got next week. We'll have enough time."