PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers’ elite edge rusher T.J. Watt remains hospitalized locally for additional tests on his lungs after reporting discomfort at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday, casting doubt on his availability for Monday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins, according to team spokesman Burt Lauten.
“He felt some unease during his time at the facility yesterday, so we sent him to the medical staff, and they’re running a series of evaluations,” head coach Mike Tomlin explained after Thursday’s session. “He spent the night at the hospital dealing with a lung-related concern. More diagnostics are scheduled for him this afternoon, and that’s the extent of my update right now.
“… As for Monday night, it’s truly uncertain. Whatever comes out of today’s tests will give us a clearer picture.”
According to sources speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the problem arose during a treatment session at the facility on Wednesday, leading to Watt’s admission and ongoing stay.
Tomlin mentioned he first learned of the issue when Watt was spotted in the team’s cafeteria that day.
“He’s improving, which is a relief, but it stings to see a brother in arms sidelined like this,” said teammate Alex Highsmith, another key pass rusher who’s checked in with Watt regularly over the last 24 hours.
“… This is a frightening and challenging moment. I’ve been keeping him in my prayers, and I know he’s on the mend.”
The NFL Players Association has been informed and is coordinating with Watt and his agents.
In Sunday’s victory over the Ravens, Watt logged six tackles (one for loss), a quarterback hit, and played 68 of 77 defensive snaps (88%).
The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro — fresh off a three-year, $123 million contract extension signed in July — has notched seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, 18 QB hits, and 10 tackles for loss across 13 games this season.
Watt’s condition wasn’t flagged among the injury updates Tomlin shared during Tuesday’s media briefing. Lauten noted that further details would come from Tomlin “at the right moment.”
“I haven’t connected with T.J. yet,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Thursday, “but I’d never wager against anyone in the Watt clan bouncing back from a setback, big or small, and returning to the gridiron in record time.”
