Trent Jordan Wattstar linebacker of the Pittsburgh Steelersdeclared this Friday that he is ready to play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravensafter surgery to repair a lung injury that kept him out for three games.
“I feel very good. I couldn't have said the same thing a week ago, but now I feel really ready, very confident and very excited to be able to play again,” said the defender at the end of training.
On December 12, the 31-year-old player was taken to the hospital after he suffered a punctured lung at the team's facilities while undergoing dry needling, a physical therapy procedure in which fine needles (such as acupuncture needles) are used to release muscle tension.
The same day he underwent surgery to repair the damage, which prevented him from leading his team's defense in wins against the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and last week's loss against the Cleveland Browns.
“They did a dry puncture and it didn't feel good. I felt immense pain. I ended up in the hospital and had surgery. Recovery was a little different, I wasn't used to it. It has been a unique experience; The truth is that I don't have anyone to perform dry needling on me outside of the team,” he explained.
This Friday the defender participated in the team's full practice and declared himself fit to return in the decisive game against the Ravens, in which the winner will take the North division title of the American Conference and the loser will be eliminated from the playoffs in the last game of the season.
“I had a great week of training without limitations. I tried to execute everything I could in the simulation of plays, but the simulation has a limit. Now I feel very good, I hope to feel the same on Sunday,” he concluded.
Trent Jordan Watt is the soul of the Steelers defense; owns, along with Hall of Fame member, Michael Strahanthe record for most sacks in an NFL season, with 22.5.
The veteran came to the league drafted in the first round of the 2017 Draft by Pittsburgh, a team with which he has remained his entire career, in which he was selected eight times Pro Bowl, four All-Pro designations and has finished three times as the leader in quarterback sacks, an NFL record.
