The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without three key players for their Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions, as the team officially ruled out outside linebacker T.J. Watt, guard Isaac Seumalo, and cornerback James Pierre.
For Watt, this marks his second straight absence after suffering a partially collapsed lung-a rare and concerning injury, especially for a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play. While the long-term outlook appears optimistic, with reports indicating he’s expected to return before the end of the season, his immediate status remains uncertain.
The timeline of Watt’s injury is as unusual as it is alarming. According to reports, the All-Pro pass rusher underwent dry needling therapy to manage general soreness-an increasingly common treatment among athletes.
But after the session, Watt experienced severe pain and was quickly hospitalized. Further evaluation revealed a small issue in his lung, described as a tiny hole-enough to sideline one of the league’s most dominant defenders.
His brother, J.J. Watt, confirmed via social media that T.J. underwent successful surgery to stabilize the lung.
While the procedure went well, his recovery timeline is still to be determined. The Steelers released a statement Thursday, confirming that Watt was undergoing further medical evaluation and would not be at practice.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is expected to provide additional updates when appropriate.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero added more context, reporting that Watt had completed a workout and was receiving his usual post-lift treatment when he began feeling discomfort. Initial concerns about potential collarbone or rib injuries were ruled out before further testing revealed the lung issue.
Watt’s absence is a significant blow to a Steelers defense that leans heavily on his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Through 13 games this season, Watt has posted 53 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, seven passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet-he’s the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s pass rush and a tone-setter for the entire unit.
At 31 years old, Watt remains one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. A first-round pick in 2017, he’s earned every bit of his reputation through consistent production and relentless effort.
After playing out his rookie deal and fifth-year option, Watt signed a four-year, $112 million extension in 2021 that included $80 million guaranteed. He doubled down on his commitment to the franchise this past offseason with a three-year, $123 million extension.
As the Steelers continue their playoff push, they’ll have to navigate at least one more game without their defensive cornerstone. The hope in Pittsburgh is that Watt’s road to recovery stays on track-and that when he returns, he brings the same game-wrecking presence that’s defined his career.