Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt underwent surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung, according to his brother J.J. Watt.
T.J. was undergoing a dry needling treatment session at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday when he began to feel discomfort and was sent to a local hospital for testing.
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According to J.J., there is no timeline for recovery at the moment, but T.J. was set to be released from the hospital on Friday.
Watt is unlikely to play Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he spoke with Watt on Wednesday evening, and said the pass rusher was “comfortable.” Tomlin added that Watt was not dealing with an injury coming out of Week 14’s game and that was he was unaware when or how Watt’s symptoms started.
Watt, 31, has appeared in all 13 of the Steelers’ games this season. He’s registered 53 tackles and seven sacks in those contests.
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While Watt has battled injuries in the past, he’s been relatively healthy the past couple seasons. Prior to 2025, Watt played in 17 games in back-to-back years. He made the Pro Bowl in both seasons, earning a first team All-Pro nod in 2023 after leading the league with 19 sacks.
In July, the Steelers gave Watt a three-year, $123 million extension. The contract made Watt the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. That record has since been passed by Detroit Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Watt’s absence at team facilities comes at a difficult time. At 7-6, the Steelers lead the AFC North, but their grasp on that spot is tenuous at best. The 6-7 Baltimore Ravens sit just behind Pittsburgh in the division. If Watt misses time, the Steelers would need to find a way to hold onto their lead in the AFC North without arguably their best player.
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After taking on the Dolphins in Week 15, the Steelers will play the Lions and the Cleveland Browns to finish out the regular season.
