Steelers LB TJ Watt has surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung, older brother JJ Watt says
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung and will be out for Monday's visit by Miami.
J.J. Watt, T.J. Watt's older brother, posted on X that T.J. had the surgery Thursday and was expected to be released from the hospital sometime Friday.
The younger Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after reporting what the club described as “discomfort” while being treated by Steelers medical staff at the team facility. J.J. said T.J. was having a dry-needling session at the time.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after practice Friday that T.J. Watt was home resting comfortably but would be unavailable when Pittsburgh (7-6) hosts the surging Dolphins (6-7).
Asked if Watt could be out for an extended period, Tomlin said he hadn't looked beyond this week.
Dry needling is a treatment used by physical therapists and acupuncturists to treat pain and movement issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The medical professionals insert needles under the skin to target trigger points in muscles.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the 30-year-old T.J. has seven sacks this season for the Steelers (7-6), who hold a one-game lead over Baltimore for the AFC North lead with four weeks remaining.
Pittsburgh has struggled historically without Watt in the lineup, most notably in 2022 when the Steelers went 1-6 while he recovered from a pectoral injury.
