Steelers OLB T.J. Watt undergoes surgery for partially collapsed lung after dry needling treatment gone wrong

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt underwent surgery for a partially collapsed lung on Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery, his brother J.J. said. Watt underwent a treatment known as ‘dry needling’ in the facility on Wednesday, which is a physical therapy technique that aims at muscle knots and alleviating pain.

It is a general treatment that many players undergo each week without repercussions. However, Watt’s caused him great discomfort throughout Wednesday, and they sent him to the hospital which revealed the partially collapsed lung, balding to surgery.

Watt is expected to be released from the hospital today, and should return this season at some point.

“Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility. 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,” J.J. said on X.

As J.J. notes, the exact recovery time for Watt is unknown and the Steelers will have to evaluate him throughout the weeks, but it is viewed as a long shot for him to play against the Miami Dolphins.

If Watt could not play, the Steelers would have Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig as their starters against the Dolphins. Both of those players have started at different points this year, but they have not played a game without Watt in the lineup.

Highsmith, Watt’s best friend on the team, said he has been in contact with the star pass rusher, and he remains in good spirits.

“It’s definitely a scary situation, tough situation. I’ve just been praying for him. I know he’s getting better,” Highsmith said.

This is the second Steelers player who has gone to the hospital for a check this week. DK Metcalf did so in Baltimore on Sunday night following the team’s win over the Ravens, after experiencing stomach pain. He is expected to be limited this week, but should play on Monday against the Dolphins.