Following successful surgery for a punctured lung from dry-needling, Steelers star T.J. Watt is ruled out for Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins but could return as soon as Week 16 versus the Detroit Lions, per optimistic team reports—though some analysts call the timeline challenging.
After undergoing surgery last Thursday to repair a small hole in his partially collapsed lung—injured during a dry-needling treatment—and being released from the hospital Friday, T.J. Watt is resting at home and officially out for Week 15's Monday Night Football matchup against the Dolphins.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared Steelers optimism: "The Steelers are hopeful that Watt potentially could miss only one game. He could be back next Sunday against the Lions." Dr. Melanie Friedlander echoed this, citing an "excellent chance" for Week 16 play, aided by the dome venue avoiding cold weather.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was more reserved, noting a Week 16 return would be "challenging," referencing QB Tyrod Taylor's month-long absence in 2020 from a similar needle-related lung puncture.
The Steelers (9-4, tied for AFC North lead) are 1-11 lifetime without Watt, who leads the NFL in chip rate despite a down year statistically. Depth players like Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig must fill the pass-rush void.
For the Dolphins game, TE Darnell Washington has cleared concussion protocol and will play. OT Andrus Peat and CB James Pierre are ruled out, with DT Derrick Harmon questionable (knee).