TJ Watt Has Surgery for Partially Collapsed Lung

Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung he suffered during a dry-needling treatment. The 30-year-old, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has recorded seven sacks this season for the Steelers, who are 7-6 and hold a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens (6-7) in the AFC North with four weeks remaining. After Friday practice, head coach Mike Tomlin said Watt was at home resting and would not play in Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins. When asked if Watt could be sidelined beyond this week, Tomlin said he had not looked further ahead than the next game. Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after reporting discomfort while being treated by team medical staff at the Steelers facility. His brother JJ Watt posted on X that the issue occurred during a dry-needling session. Tomlin said he did not have details about the session and was not in a position to dispute comments from someone close to Watt. The Steelers have previously struggled without Watt, notably in 2022 when Pittsburgh went 1-6 while he recovered from a pectoral injury. With Watt out for Sunday’s game, Nick Herbig will start at defensive end; the third-year player has a career-best 6.5 sacks this season and ranks second on the team behind Watt. Fans can watch the 2025 NFL season live on Sky Sports, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LX, or stream without a contract on NOW.