T.J. Watt’s lung issue was bad enough that it required surgery that it will force him to miss Monday night’s game against the Dolphins.
After Watt was hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung on Thursday, the Steelers star pass rusher underwent surgery and he is expected to be discharged from the hospital as of Friday.
Watt’s brother, J.J., provided further insight on what went wrong in Pittsburgh during a standard dry needling treatment.
“Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility,” JJ wrote on X.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today. He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes.”
Watt’s wife, Dani, also took to social media to open about the incident.
In an Instagram story on Friday, she wrote, “Yesterday TJ completed successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered early Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility. It has been a very long hard couple of days but he will be home soon to recover.
“Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support the past couple of days. And praise God for the amazing medical teams at both hospitals!”
After the surgery announcement, NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained that dry needling is something players generally do “without issue to alleviate general soreness.”
However, Watt was left in a lot of pain and was quickly assessed by doctors and sent to the hospital.
The Steelers announced Watt’s lung issue in a statement on Thursday. The injury, as initially reported by ESPN, occurred during treatment at the team facility the day prior and that the seven-time Pro Bowler has been in the hospital ever since.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. AP
“T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday,” the team said in a statement.
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It’s a big disappointment after a thrilling win over their AFC North rival Ravens, 27-22, in which the Steelers took back the top spot in the division.
The Steelers are one game ahead of the Ravens — and will have to at least survive a test against the streaking Dolphins without their best defender.
The 31-year-old currently leads the team with seven sacks and has also tallied 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception this year.