Dec 12, 2025, 9:30 PM CUT
Steelers Drop Concerning Medical Update Over TJ Watts as NFL Star Rushes to Hospital
Pittsburgh Steelers standout pass rusher T.J. Watt is undergoing tests at a nearby hospital following feelings of discomfort at the team's facility on Wednesday, according to the team.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the team, Burt Lauten, announced that T.J. Watt was transported to the hospital for evaluations regarding his lung health. The announcement indicated that it is uncertain if he will be able to participate in Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. Watt also missed practice on Thursday.
Following practice, Mike Tomlin provided an update concerning Watt.
"He was feeling some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday," Tomlin said. "So we took him to the doctors, and they're doing some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital. He has a lung issue that they're treating. I believe he has some tests planned for this afternoon, and that's all I know right now."
Tomlin added that he wasn’t sure what caused Watt’s discomfort or when it started. He said he spoke with Watt on Wednesday and that Watt “was comfortable, and that's all I have really at this point.”
Tomlin said he learned what happened when Watt was in the team cafeteria on Wednesday. The news worried his teammates. Alex Highsmith, pass rusher, said, “We know that he's doing better, but it definitely hurts when one of our teammates is in the hospital.”
With 6 tackles, Watts participated in 68 snaps, contributing roughly 88% of the team's defensive plays. Recording 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 18 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles, Watts is a former DPOTY and a four-time All-Pro.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots Sep 21, 2025 Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ. Watt 90 before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough Gillette Stadium Massachusetts USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBrianxFluhartyx 20250921_sns_fb7_00001_1
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots Sep 21, 2025 Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ. Watt 90 before the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough Gillette Stadium Massachusetts USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBrianxFluhartyx 20250921_sns_fb7_00001_1
Watt's condition was not mentioned in the team's health reports at Mike Tomlin's press conference on Tuesday. Lauten stated that Tomlin will share more details when the time is right.
"I haven't talked to T.J.," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Thursday. "But I would never bet against anyone in the Watt family being able to handle something small or large and getting back on the field as quickly as possible."
Clearly, the Steelers are preparing themselves for various outcomes, with Watt’s health being the foremost concern. Although his participation on Monday night is still in question, the team is hopeful for encouraging updates.
Written by
Mohd Mudabbir Ansari
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu