T.J. Watt’s Lung Surgery Shocks Steelers Nation
The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating a challenging week after star edge rusher T.J. Watt faced a health scare that has left fans and teammates concerned. Following a medical procedure that resulted in a partially collapsed lung, Watt underwent surgery, prompting the team to adjust its game plan as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
A Surprising Medical Incident
Watt’s situation escalated unexpectedly after a dry needling session at the Steelers’ facility led to the complication. This procedure, typically used to relieve muscle tension, turned alarming when it resulted in a collapsed lung. Watt’s brother, J.J., took to social media platform X to provide updates, confirming that T.J. had successful surgery to stabilize and repair the lung.
He stated, “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.”
Out for Week 15 but Hopeful for a Quick Return
As a result of the surgery, Watt was ruled out for the Steelers’ Week 15 game against the Dolphins. His absence is a significant blow to a defense that relies heavily on his formidable presence. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on NFL GameDay Morning that despite the setback, there is optimism surrounding Watt’s recovery.
“The Steelers will not have their star pass rusher, T.J. Watt, who is out for the game after being hospitalized last week and undergoing a procedure to fix a small hole in his lung,” Pelissero noted. “The turnaround was just too quick for Watt to play this week. He needed to rest, but the Steelers are hopeful that Watt potentially could miss only one game. He could be back next Sunday against the Lions.”
Looking Ahead
While Watt’s immediate future remains uncertain, the Steelers are cautiously optimistic about his return. With his resilience and the team’s support, fans are holding onto hope that he will make a surprising comeback sooner rather than later. As the Steelers prepare for their next game, the focus will be on maintaining momentum while navigating this unexpected hurdle.

