Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt’s decision to sit out team drills is tied to his current contract situation, defensive coordinator Keith Butler confirmed Saturday, after Watt’s teammates again worked out without the reigning NFL sack leader.

Asked when Watt might ramp up activity, Butler said: “That’s none of my business. I hope he signs a contract, and let’s get it done. When he gets that done, we’ll talk about that.”

Watt is entering the final year of his contract, and team president Art Rooney II recently said he’d like to sign Watt to an extension. Watt would become a free agent in 2022 — or potentially receive the franchise tag — if the two sides do not reach an agreement before the season opener Sept. 12.

The Steelers don’t negotiate contracts once a season starts.

Coach Mike Tomlin said he won’t speculate about when Watt might fully participate in practice.

“I’m sure that’s going to naturally run its course,” Tomlin said. “I know he’s working hard with our trainers. So we’ll see where it all leads us.”

Watt was present on the Heinz Field turf Saturday but didn’t take part in team drills.

“I don’t blame him for that because you don’t want to get hurt when you’re trying to get your contract done,” Butler said. “Then you kind of lose some flexibility in terms of what kind of (deal) you can sign. I don’t blame him for that. I hope they get it done.”

Butler noted that during his NFL playing days, he was a players’ association representative.

“I’ve always been for the players,” he added. “I struck twice for the players. … I want them to make as much money as they can in this league. I think they deserve it.”

Watt, who’ll turn 27 in October, has 49½ career sacks in four seasons with the Steelers. He led the NFL last season with 15 sacks, earned his second All-Pro honor and finished second in voting for AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Butler said he didn’t believe Watt’s absence was a distraction for the defense.

“I don’t think it is. Not at all,” Butler said. “Everybody knows TJ. Everybody knows he’s a good teammate. He wants to be out there. He really wants to be out there but some things you’ve got to just do.

“This is a business. We all love to think it’s a game but when it’s all said and done, it’s a business.”

Injury updates

• Offensive tackles Chukwuma Okorafor and Zach Banner participated together in team drills for the first time Saturday. Banner is returning from a torn ACL. Guard Kevin Dotson remained out.

• The Steelers had their top three tight ends on the field with Eric Ebron and Pat Freiermuth joining Zach Gentry for team drills. Ebron (elbow) and Freiermuth (shoulder) sat out Thursday’s game.

• Running backs Benny Snell and Kalen Ballage sat out practice, but Tomlin provided no update on their status. Snell has been absent from camp for an undisclosed reason, and Ballage left Thursday’s game early.

• Safety Antoine Brooks Jr. missed practice with what Tomlin called “a minor deal.”

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