After a pivotal AFC North victory, the Pittsburgh Steelers may have to face “Monday Night Football” without their top defender. Linebacker T.J. Watt is unlikely to play in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins after undergoing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung sustained earlier in the week, according to multiple reports and family updates.
Watt suffered the injury during a dry needling session at the team’s practice facility on Dec. 10, shortly after the Steelers’ divisional victory. This was an uncommon complication from a widely used treatment intended to relieve muscle tightness and pain. Following the injury, he was hospitalized on Thursday, Dec. 12, for further imaging and underwent a surgical procedure that same day to stabilize the lung. His brother, former NFL star J.J. Watt, confirmed that the operation was successful and that T.J. was recovering comfortably. “He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes,” J.J. Watt said, noting that there is currently no set timeline for T.J.’s return.
Though the injury is not expected to end Watt’s season, the earliest he could return is after he recovers from lung surgery performed on Dec. 12. The Steelers anticipate he may miss at least Monday’s matchup against Miami. NFL Network and ESPN both reported that while the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is progressing well, Pittsburgh is preparing for the likelihood of playing without him in Week 15. His absence would mark a rare interruption in his availability. Watt has not missed a game since 2022, when he was sidelined for seven contests due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Before the injury, Watt had been enjoying another strong campaign. Through 13 games, he recorded 7 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s top edge rushers. The four-time All-Pro has made the Pro Bowl in seven consecutive seasons and remains one of the most disruptive defensive players in football.
With Watt sidelined, the Steelers will lean on rookie Jack Sawyer and linebacker Nick Herbig to split snaps opposite Alex Highsmith. Sawyer has seen increased rotational work recently, while Herbig contributes on passing downs. Pittsburgh’s front seven may need to adjust its approach to compensate for Watt’s absence.
Dry needling, the technique at the center of Watts’ injury, is commonly used by athletes to address muscle tightness and trigger-point discomfort. According to the Cleveland Clinic, practitioners insert thin needles into targeted areas of the muscle to induce contractions, increase blood flow, and reduce pain. While generally considered low risk, complications can occur if a needle accidentally penetrates the lung cavity, potentially causing a partial collapse — a condition known clinically as pneumothorax. Such instances are rare but have been documented in sports medicine.
The Steelers, who improved their playoff standing with last week’s win over the Baltimore Ravens, now face a critical test against a high-powered Dolphins offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill. Pittsburgh’s pass rush, long anchored by Watt, will be tasked with containing one of the NFL’s most explosive scoring units without its premier playmaker.
Still, the organization and Watt’s family have expressed optimism that he will return before the end of the regular season. For the moment, the priority remains his full recovery. Pittsburgh is expected to provide additional updates as follow-up evaluations continue in the days ahead.
