PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung that occurred during a dry-needling treatment and will not be available for Monday night’s home game against the Miami Dolphins. Watt had the procedure performed on Thursday and is now recovering at home, resting comfortably. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Watt’s status beyond this week remains unclear, noting that the team is focused on his recovery rather than projecting a long-term timeline. Watt was hospitalized on Wednesday after experiencing discomfort while receiving treatment at the team’s facility, with the issue later identified as a lung injury connected to the dry-needling session.
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to relieve muscle pain and improve movement by inserting thin needles into targeted muscle trigger points. Watt had not reported any chest-related problems earlier in the season, according to Tomlin, and the injury came as an unexpected development. The 30-year-old defender has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense for nearly a decade and had not missed a regular-season start since entering the league, even playing through a toe injury earlier this season. A seven-time Pro Bowler and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has recorded seven sacks this year and remains the team’s most disruptive defensive presence.
Pittsburgh enters the matchup with a 7-6 record and a one-game lead in the AFC North with four weeks remaining, making Watt’s absence especially significant. The Steelers have historically struggled without him, including a 1-6 stretch in 2022 while he recovered from a major injury. Nick Herbig will step into the starting role against Miami after a strong season of his own, recording a career-best 6½ sacks, second on the team behind Watt. Teammates have emphasized that Watt’s influence extends beyond his play on the field, crediting his leadership and preparation for helping younger players take on larger roles. Veteran defensive captain Cam Heyward said his primary concern is Watt’s health and well-being, underscoring the respect and close bond Watt shares with his teammates.