Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt is recovering from a partially collapsed lung caused by a dry needling treatment at the team facility, his brother J.J. Watt wrote on X Friday.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Watt was released from the hospital on Friday and was “at home resting comfortably,” but that he will miss Pittsburgh’s Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins. The coach said he didn’t know when Watt would be available.
T.J. Watt came to the team facility on Wednesday, a scheduled off day, to receive treatment. After the session caused a partially collapsed lung, Watt was taken to a nearby Pittsburgh hospital, where he stayed overnight. He underwent successful surgery on Thursday to stabilize and repair the lung, his brother wrote. The recovery timeline is still to be determined, according to J.J. Watt’s post.
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…
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2025
“T.J. is a really good friend of mine,” defensive co-captain Cameron Heyward said on Friday morning. “One thing we always care about is how the man is doing. You never want to hear anything like that ever happen but more concerned with just how he’s doing on a friend level and as a brother.”
Mike Tomlin said that T.J. Watt has been released from the hospital. He’s officially OUT for Monday’s game against the Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/i1NhNGO2dX
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 12, 2025
Dry needling, according to the Physical Therapy Association, is “a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.”
In 2020, then-Los Angeles Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor underwent a different procedure, but the unintended consequences were similar. A Chargers team doctor accidentally punctured Taylor’s lung just before kickoff while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback’s fractured ribs. The subsequent injury absence opened the door for then-rookie Justin Herbert to take command of the Chargers’ starting job. Taylor later sued the Chargers, alleging medical malpractice.
It’s unclear if Watt will consider filing a grievance or pursuing similar legal action. The NFLPA is aware of the situation. The union has been in contact with Watt’s camp and is in the process of gathering more information.
Watt, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension last offseason, is one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive players for a reason. He’s a central piece of the Steelers’ defense that relies on sacks and splash plays to get off the field.
In addition to what Watt provides as a pass rusher, he’s also an essential part of their run defense. Pittsburgh will face a Dolphins rushing attack on Monday night that’s averaging a league-high 192 yards per game on the ground since Week 10.
Watt’s absence will be a significant blow to Pittsburgh. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig would likely be the two starters, with rookie Jack Sawyer serving as the primary backup on both sides. DeMarvin Leal could be promoted from the practice squad to give the Steelers a fourth outside linebacker.
“I think that’s been a part of my career the whole time I’ve been here, just staying ready,” Herbig said. “You never know what could happen. You never know when your number’s going to get called.”
The Steelers are 1-11 in Watt’s career when he doesn’t play, including a 2022 loss to Miami.
