T.J. Watt injury update: Brother of Steelers star, J.J., provides new information after hospitalization

Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that star outside linebacker T.J. Watt was hospitalized after experiencing discomfort in his lung. Watt experienced discomfort during a treatment session at the team facility. The four-time All-Pro has been hospitalized ever since, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

On Friday, Watt’s brother, famed NFL defender J.J. Watt, provided an update with some new information: “Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility,” the retired former NFL star posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“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.

As you can tell from his brother’s post, Watt’s status for Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins “is in question,” per team spokesperson Burt Lauten, due to his hospitalization and subsequent surgery. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation after practice on Thursday.

Mike Tomlin addresses T.J. Watt situation: ‘His status for Monday night is really up in the air’

“I’m a little bit cautious about what I say, because I am not a medical expert,” Tomlin said. “But to make a long story short, he was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday. So, we took him to the docs [doctors] and they’re going through some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital. He has a lung situation that’s being addressed. I think he has some testing and so forth ahead of him this afternoon, and that’s all I know at this juncture.

“He and I communicated last night; he was comfortable, and that’s all I have really at this point. His status for Monday night is really up in the air. I think what transpires this afternoon is going to provide more information for us. I just don’t have a lot as I stand here today.”

Alas, Watt is a nine-year NFL pro and has played in all 13 of the Steelers’ games this season, tallying 53 total tackles, seven sacks and an interception. He’s recently dealt with a nagging toe injury, but hasn’t missed any significant time this season.

In 2024, Watt recorded 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 17 regular season games. He was named to a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Second Team for the second time in his career. Watt has been with the Steelers his entire career, which spans nine seasons, including 2025. He recently signed a three-year, $123 million contract that included $108 million fully guaranteed upon signing.

— On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this article.