Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt, who underwent successful surgery Thursday for a partially collapsed lung from a dry needling treatment, has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Now resting at home, his return timeline remains unclear as the Steelers (9-4) share the AFC North lead.
Following the initial report of T.J. Watt's partially collapsed lung sustained during Wednesday's dry needling session at the team facility, the Steelers star underwent successful surgery Thursday and was released from the hospital Friday, as confirmed by brother J.J. Watt on social media.
Head coach Mike Tomlin provided the latest Friday, stating Watt is "out this week for Monday night" after the procedure and is resting comfortably at home. No timeline beyond the Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins has been set.
Watt, leading the team with 11.5 sacks in 13 games, leaves a void in Pittsburgh's defense atop the AFC North at 9-4. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig will step up on the edge, building on their strong seasons.
The Dolphins face their own issues, with RB De'Von Achane limited, yet Pittsburgh is a 3-point favorite. Tomlin stressed a week-by-week focus amid the Steelers' push for the postseason.
This is Watt's first missed game from such an injury; the defense must adapt quickly.
