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Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt works through drills during Monday's practice.
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Watt Watch continues: Steelers LB T.J. Watt remains unsigned, status unchanged

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Watt Watch continues: Steelers LB T.J. Watt remains unsigned, status unchanged

T-minus six days and counting before the season opener in Buffalo, and nothing has changed with the status of outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

Watt did not practice with the team throughout training camp this summer. When when the Steelers transitioned to game week this week, there was some hope the team would have signed Watt to a long-term deal, which would give him a full week’s worth of practices in advance of the opener.

But as he had done throughout camp, Watt worked on the side with strength and conditioning coaches and was not involved in team drills. 

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The Steelers have a policy of not negotiating contracts once the season starts, making the next few days officially “Watt Watch” around these parts. The deadline allows the team and the player to concentrate strictly on football once the season begins and eliminates any business negotiations until after the season ends.

Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon pulls in a pass during practice Monday, Sept.. 6, 2021, at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
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Watt, a two-time All-Pro selection, is seeking to become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.  

Plenty of high-profile players through the years have signed long-term deals in the week leading up to the first game, and the expectation remains Watt will sign a new deal. A few players, including Troy Polamalu, signed one day before the game while others signed two or three days out.

While nothing notable happened on the practice field Monday concerning Watt, his not being voted as a team captain is somewhat brow-raising considering he held the role last season. 

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Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward and Derek Watt, T.J.’s older brother and a core member of the special teams, were named team captains in a vote by the players.

The Steelers have three more practices this week. The team will take Tuesday off followed by three consecutive practices Wednesday through Friday.

Four rookies in line to start

Coach Mike Tomlin updated his depth chart for the first time since July, and the first four members of the 2021 draft class are listed as starters. 

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First-round pick Najee Harris will start at running back while third-round pick Kendrick Green will start at center and fourth-round pick Dan Moore at left tackle. Second-round pick Pat Freiermuth is listed as a co-starter alongside veteran Eric Ebron.

Harris and Green had been working with the starters for most of training camp. Moore was elevated to starting status when Zach Banner went on injured reserve last week.  

Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.

First Published: September 6, 2021, 6:11 p.m.

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