Mom, dad won't be able to attend Watt football reunion when Steelers play Texans

When the NFL schedule was released a few months ago, the Watt family circled the date Sept. 27.

With the Houston Texans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field that day, it would be the first time all three Watt sons would occupy the same football field. That was made possible when middle child Derek signed with the Steelers in free agency.

He and T.J. Watt would get a chance to go up against big brother, J.J., the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the Texans.

The on-field reunion still will take place as scheduled. It’s just that John and Connie Watt won’t be able to watch their sons play in person with the Steelers announcing fans will not be permitted to attend the first and second home games of the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Texans game comes a week after the Steelers play their home opener against the Denver Broncos.

“It will be tough,” Derek Watt said Saturday on a video conference call with reporters. “It will be tough on the family. Obviously, we have a lot of people that would love to be at that game: family, friends, etc. … It’s unfortunate that my family and friends won’t be able to be there, but at the end of the day it will still be a great experience for us three on the field. They can all tune in on TV and still have that special moment.”

Sutton wants to contribute

As a testament to his ability to play multiple positions, cornerback Cam Sutton’s playing time has increased since he earned just 12% of the defensive snaps as a rookie in 2017.

Sutton played 23% of the snaps in his second NFL season, and his playing time ticked up slightly to 25% last year as he became a regular contributor in subpackages, playing hybrid linebacker and nickel/slot corner while occasionally lining up outside.

Sutton, who continues to log snaps at various spots during training camp, said Saturday he’s happy filling the jack-of-all-trades role if it gives him a chance to get on the field.

“I wouldn’t say it gets frustrating,” he said. “I guess you could say the way you approach it, just not having any care about it, just going out there and making the plays and helping the defense. I think that is the biggest thing that keeps that frustration or feeling that way about anything to a minimum.”

Such versatility, though, could work against Sutton once he hits free agency in March. Without a defined position, it could be difficult to attach at dollar value to Sutton’s value to a team.

“That is something that will be handled when the time is present for that,” Sutton said. “Our focus right now is getting ready for Week 1. God will take care of that when it’s time. I’m just going to leave that where it is. Right now, we are just worried about the New York Giants.”

Keeping quiet

Coach Mike Tomlin revealed earlier in the week that Derek Watt has been limited in practice with an injury that previously went undisclosed along with a surgery that never was mentioned.

Watt was asked about the surgery Saturday, and he revealed about as much information as his coach.

“I’m not going to get into the specifics,” he said. “I did have an offseason procedure. Coach Tomlin explained the other day that I have been working back, kind of just getting me acclimated and getting back into a team setting.

“The surgery is in the past, and I’m ready to go. The plan is Week 1. I have every intention of being ready Week 1 and getting involved in the back half of camp here.”

Watt had shoulder surgery in May 2019, but he played in all 16 games last year for the Los Angeles Chargers. He also dealt with knee issues during his four years with the Chargers.