Surgery Repairs Watt's Collapsed Lung
Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt underwent surgery Thursday to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered after a dry needling treatment session at the Steelers' facility Wednesday, his brother J.J. Watt announced Friday on social media.
Watt was released from the hospital Friday and is resting at home, though his recovery timeline remains uncertain. Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Watt will not play Monday night against the Miami Dolphins but is expected to return this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Steelers have four regular season games remaining.
"He and his family are very appreciative of everyone's kind words and well wishes," J.J. Watt wrote in his social media post.
What Happened During the Treatment
Watt received dry needling treatment at the Steelers' practice facility Wednesday—the team's day off. Something went wrong during the procedure, causing his lung to partially collapse. He was immediately hospitalized and remained there Thursday for imaging and tests before undergoing surgery to repair the damage.
Tomlin told reporters Friday he didn't have additional details about the incident or who performed the treatment at the facility. The NFL Players Association is aware of the situation and has been in contact with Watt and his representation.
"Our main immediate priority is supporting T.J.'s health and full recovery," an NFLPA spokesperson said.
Understanding Dry Needling
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is a treatment used for "pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points." Providers insert thin needles "into or near your trigger points to stimulate muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch and helps to relieve pain and improve range of motion."
It's a common treatment among professional athletes seeking relief from muscle pain and tightness. Thousands of athletes receive dry needling regularly without complications. But when needles are inserted near the chest cavity, there's always risk—even a slight miscalculation in depth or angle can puncture lung tissue.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen said he avoids dry needling specifically because of these risks, preferring acupuncture instead.
"It is unfortunate. You could probably get dry needle a thousand times and never have anything happen, and it just probably a half an inch in the wrong direction," Queen explained.
The Acupuncture vs Dry Needling Debate
Queen highlighted the difference between acupuncture and dry needling when discussing Watt's injury. Acupuncture requires extensive education and certification, while dry needling can be performed by physical therapists and other practitioners with significantly less training.
"One [acupuncture], you got to go to school for a longer period of time. There's a whole much more scientific thing that goes into it," Queen said. "I don't do the whole dry needle thing. I'm actually scared of dry needling, so I kind of stay away from that stuff."
Queen emphasized that the extra education required for acupuncture gives him more confidence in the treatment.
"I just feel, me personally, more comfortable with somebody has a little bit more experience," he said. "Not saying anything wrong about anybody that did it or whatever, but that's just me personally."
Impact on Pittsburgh's Defense
Losing T.J. Watt, even temporarily, is devastating for Pittsburgh's defense. The All-Pro pass rusher is the anchor of the Steelers' front seven, consistently disrupting opponents' offensive game plans and creating pressure that makes everyone around him better.
With Watt out Monday night, Pittsburgh will rely on a rotation of Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer to fill the void. That's asking a lot against a Miami offense that can exploit defensive weaknesses quickly.
Herbig, who'll see increased snaps, praised Watt's leadership and preparation.
"I think T.J.'s done a great job of being a leader, not just in the room but in the whole building, the organization," Herbig said. "I think he rubs off on a lot of people in the right way, and I'm not worried at all because we have great guys, great leaders that'll pick up that slack."
Questions About Team Facility Protocols
The NFLPA's involvement signals potential concerns about protocols at the Steelers' facility. When a routine treatment results in a collapsed lung requiring emergency surgery, questions arise about who performed the procedure, their qualifications, and what oversight existed.
Tomlin's admission that he doesn't have details about who performed the treatment or how it happened is notable. Either the team is withholding information or the coach genuinely doesn't know—neither scenario inspires confidence.
Dry needling near the chest cavity carries inherent risks. Professional sports teams should have rigorous protocols ensuring only highly qualified practitioners perform treatments with potential complications. The NFLPA will likely investigate whether proper safeguards were in place.
Watt's Expected Return Timeline
Rapoport's report that Watt is expected to play again this season provides some optimism, but "expected" doesn't mean guaranteed. Collapsed lungs require careful monitoring during recovery. Rush the return, and you risk re-injury or worse.
Pittsburgh has four regular season games remaining after Monday night. If Watt misses two or three weeks while recovering properly, he could return for the final game or two and be ready for the playoffs—assuming the Steelers qualify.
The priority has to be Watt's long-term health. He's only 30 years old with years of elite play remaining. Risking permanent damage by rushing back would be catastrophic for both player and team.
The Unfortunate Reality of Treatment Risks
Patrick Queen's comment about dry needling going wrong "a half an inch in the wrong direction" captures the cruel randomness of this injury. Watt has likely received dry needling dozens or hundreds of times without issue. This time, something went wrong—a needle inserted slightly too deep, at a fractionally wrong angle, or near tissue more vulnerable than expected.
Professional athletes constantly seek treatment to maintain their bodies under extreme physical stress. They trust practitioners at team facilities to perform procedures safely. When that trust is violated—intentionally or accidentally—the consequences can be severe.
Watt did nothing wrong. He sought treatment to stay healthy and perform at his peak. Instead, he ended up hospitalized with a collapsed lung requiring emergency surgery.
What Happens Monday Night
The Steelers face Miami without their best defensive player. That's a massive disadvantage against any opponent, but especially against a Dolphins offense that can score quickly when given opportunities.
Pittsburgh's depth will be tested. Highsmith, Herbig, and Sawyer will need to elevate their games immediately. The defensive scheme might need adjustments to compensate for Watt's absence. And the entire team will need to rally around the mindset that they're winning this one for their injured leader.
T.J. Watt underwent surgery to repair a collapsed lung caused by a routine treatment that went wrong. He's out of the hospital, expected to return this season, but missing Monday's crucial game against Miami. The Steelers will adjust. The NFLPA will investigate. And Watt will focus on recovering properly, because his long-term health matters far more than any single game.