Watt has agreed to restructure his contract with the Steelers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Networkreports.
Analysis: Watt's restructured deal will free up $880,000 in cap space for Pittsburgh, likely by converting some of his base salary into a signing bonus. Though he didn't handle any carries during his inaugural campaign with the Steelers last season, Watt did play an integral role as a run blocker and special-teams contributor when healthy.
Mar 10, 2021 11:19 AM EST
Watt (concussion) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Analysis: Watt entered the league's five-step concussion protocol after a scary incident during Monday's loss to the Bengals. He's apparently made a quick recovery, working at full speed in practice to start the week, and he'll be in the lineup for the Week 16 matchup against the Colts.
Dec 23, 2020 5:44 PM EST
Watt (concussion) has been ruled out for remainder of Monday's contest against the Bengals, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: It was a scary moment early in Monday's contest as Watt's helmet collided with Alex Erickson's knee, leaving Watt motionless on the field for several minutes. He was eventually able to walk off the field with some assistance. He'll now likely enter the league's concussion protocol testing, leaving his status for next Sunday's matchup with the Colts in question.
Dec 21, 2020 7:14 PM EST
Watt is being evaluated for a concussion and is considered questionable to return to Monday's game against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Watt took a scary knee to the helmet on the game's first punt early in the first quarter. While he was able exit under his own power, he was noticeably woozy. Should he ultimately get ruled out, his absence will primarily be felt on special teams.
Dec 21, 2020 5:28 PM EST
Watt (hamstring) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: Watt was unavailable for Sunday's win over the Titans due to the hamstring injury, but he's back at practice Wednesday with no limitations. The 27-year-old has played only 25 offensive snaps in his four appearances this season.
Oct 28, 2020 5:56 PM EST
Watt (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: Watt has been unable to practice this week due to the hamstring issue and won't be available for Week 7. The 27-year-old missed Week 5 due to the injury but was back for last week's win over the Browns, though he apparently never fully recovered.
Oct 23, 2020 10:56 AM EST
Watt (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: Watt suited up last week for the first time since Week 3, but he's evidently not over the hamstring injury that kept him out in between. The fullback will look to raise his practice participation as the week unfolds ahead of a highly anticipated Week 7 clash against the Titans.
Oct 21, 2020 1:04 PM EST
Watt (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: Watt missed just one game due to the hamstring injury, and he'll be back in the lineup Sunday against the Browns. The Wisconsin product hasn't garnered a touch on offense yet, but he's tied for second on the team with three special-teams tackles.
Oct 14, 2020 4:17 PM EST
Watt (hamstring) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Watt suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during Pittsburgh's Week 3 win over the Texans, and he has yet to resume practicing. The fullback's next chance to retake the field will come versus the Browns on Oct. 18.
Oct 9, 2020 11:47 AM EST
Watt suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during Sunday's win over the Texans, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: There's no definitive timeline for Watt's return, but he's expected to at least miss Sunday's game versus the Titans. While Watt has only played a handful of offensive snaps this year, he's a key special-teams contributor, as he's tied for sixth with three tackles on return coverage this year.
Sep 28, 2020 8:39 AM EST
Watt (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Texans, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The 27-year-old fullback was tagged with a hamstring injury during the second quarter of action, but if feasible, he surely will want to do what he can to return to the game given that his two brothers -- J.J. and T.J -- are both on the field. Pittsburgh does not have another fullback on the roster, but it's possible tight end Vance McDonald may be able to slide into that position in a pinch should Watt be unable to return.
Sep 27, 2020 11:20 AM EST
Watt (undisclosed) is not listed on Thursday's injury report, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Watt was limited in training camp while recovering from an offseason procedure, but he's ready to kick off the regular season at full capacity. He'll suit up as Pittsburgh's starting fullback against the Giants on Monday.
Sep 10, 2020 2:58 PM EST
Coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that Watt has been limited due to "coming off a surgery," Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Watt dealt with knee and shoulder injuries during his time with the Chargers last season, but until now there had been no word about his having undergone an offseason procedure. The starting fullback will target a full return to practice ahead of Sept. 13's season-opener against the Giants.
Aug 27, 2020 7:36 PM EST
Watt and the Steelers agreed to terms on a contract Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Watt will join brother T.J., who was a 2017 first-round pick of the Steelers. Derek Watt is still known for his blocking capabilities rather than his rushing prowess, as he attempted seven carries for 10 yards and a touchdown, and also tacked on three receptions for 32 yards throughout the 2019 season. Pittsburgh already has Roosevelt Nix (knee) on the roster, so it's likely that one of the two won't be on the roster when the 2020 season commences.
Mar 17, 2020 4:19 PM EST
Watt attempted seven carries for 10 yards and a touchdown, and also tacked on three receptions for 32 yards throughout the 2019 season.
Analysis: While Watt was marginalized in the way of counting stats, he was a first-team Pro Bowl alternate for special teams, and a second-team alternate for fullback, demonstrating his importance to the Chargers. The 27-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Feb 1, 2020 7:07 AM EST
Watt (shoulder) played five snaps in the preseason loss Saturday to the Seahawks.
Analysis: Watt should be full-go for the start of the regular season, but his lack of consistent playing time and marginal role in the offense makes him an unattractive fantasy option even in the deepest of formats.
Aug 27, 2019 11:45 AM EST
Watt (shoulder) did not participate in Saturday's practice, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Watt had just been given clearance for training camp Thursday, so it's apparent the Chargers have elected to ease their fullback back into action.
Jul 27, 2019 4:53 PM EST
Watt (shoulder) was cleared for training camp Thursday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Watt appears to have fully recovered after undergoing shoulder surgery in late May. The 26-year-old fullback received most of his snaps on special teams in 2018 and has never exceeded more than six carries in a season.
Jul 25, 2019 10:47 AM EST
Watt is rehabbing after undergoing shoulder surgery in late May, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: It's unclear when Watt sustained the injury, but he is currently without a timetable for his return. The 26-year-old saw more snaps on special teams than with the offense in 2018, and finished with four carries for 11 yards and one reception for two yards in 16 games.
Jun 3, 2019 1:52 PM EST
Watt played zero offensive snaps and 26 special-teams snaps Sunday in the Chargers' 41-28 loss to the Patriots in the divisional round.
Analysis: It's been standard for Watt to receive more run on the Chargers' kick-coverage and kick-return units throughout the season, but this was the first time he was excluded entirely on offense. That was probably a byproduct of the game script more than anything, as the Chargers trailed by 28 points at halftime and had little use for a lead blocker while attempting just 10 runs on the day. Watt should return as Los Angeles' fullback in 2019, but that role won't yield him anything more than the occasional touch. Over his 18 games this season, Watt ran four times for 11 yards and gained three yards on two receptions.
Jan 14, 2019 10:18 AM EST
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