Pittsburgh Steelers 'encouraged' by injury outlook for T.J. Watt, Mike Tomlin says

The coach is "encouraged" about the outlook of his star pass-rusher as the team waits for second and third opinions on T.J. Watt.

"I think we're in a better place than we were after the game," he said. I can tell you that T.J. will not play this week, but I will not make any commitments beyond that.

We'll continue to look at the situation and get opinions and do what's appropriate.

"That does suggest that theSteelers don't believe Watt has a season-ending injury, that's what I was asked to clarify," he said.

Watt told medical personnel that he tore his pec as he walked off the field after he was injured in the final seconds of the game.

Watt might go on injured reserve, but that's not certain.

"We have time to make decisions such as that, IR decisions that have to be made by the end of the week," he said. We are not in a rush to get the information. He will see how his body responds. Second and third opinions will be given to us. We will do what is appropriate at the end of the week.

Watt is unlikely to play for a minimum of four games. Up to eight players can return from IR throughout the season, and each can come back twice.

Watt's availability depends on whether or not he needs surgery. It wasn't clear if surgery was ruled out.

In Watt's absence, the team will first turn to outside linebackers who were acquired in a trade with the Broncos. Outside help will be brought in for practice but not on Sunday.

"Maybe we've worked some people out already today in that vein, but whether or not it leads to participation remains to be seen."

Running back Najee Harris is expected to make a full recovery. He said that Harris did not cause the injury to his foot that kept him out of training camp.

Najee is really positive, according to Tomlin. Being young is a good thing. He's going to have to practice and prove he's ready to play.