Former Wisconsin Badgers star was hospitalized after experiencing lung discomfort on Wednesday.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star outside linebacker was taken to a hospital for further evaluation after injuring a lung during treatment at the team facility.
The Steelers announced in a statement that he will not attend Thursday's practice, and his status for Monday night's game vs. the Miami Dolphins is now up in the air as well.
"TJ Watt is currently in a local hospital for furhter medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesdsay. He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night's game vs. Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time."
Update on #Steelers LB T.J. Watt: pic.twitter.com/ngNBnwhBAK
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 11, 2025
This has been a trying season for Watt and the entire Steelers organization as a whole thus far.
The hits continue to pile up in 2025 for former Badgers great T.J. Watt
Watt has had a down year by his typical standard. He signed a huge $123 million extension this past summer, becoming one of the highest paid players at his position group in the process. After years of posting insane stat lines, like 19.5 or even a league-record 22.5 sacks, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year has just seven sacks on the year. He now may end up missing some time this year.
It is an odd injury, especially since it appeared that it occurred while receiving treatment for another ailment. Only a few years ago, quarterback Tyrod Taylor seemed to experience something similar when a team doctor accidentally punctured his lung while giving an injection for pain.
The Steelers did not dive into specifics, but mentioned that head coach Mike Tomlin would comment on the situation when the timing was appropriate. The 31-year-old Watt will have an extra day to try and ramp up in order to face the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
If Watt is unable to suit on Monday against Miami or even beyond that, former Badger standout Nick Herbig would help to take on Watt's role. Herbig currently has a career-high 6.5 sacks on the season.