How T.J. Watt’s routine treatment turned into a hospital stay

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an update Friday on star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who is recovering at home after undergoing surgery for a partially collapsed lung. Watt, who was hospitalized earlier this week following discomfort during a routine treatment, will not play Monday against the Miami Dolphins.

Tomlin did not provide a specific timetable for Watt’s return, leaving the Steelers’ defense without its leader for the upcoming matchup. In Watt’s absence, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are expected to start. Both have experience filling in during the season but have not played a full game without Watt on the field.

Highsmith, who is also Watt’s close friend, said the star pass rusher is in good spirits. “It’s definitely a scary situation, tough situation. I’ve just been praying for him. I know he’s getting better,” Highsmith said.

How a routine treatment led to a serious injury

Watt’s hospitalization stemmed from a “dry needling” session, a physical therapy technique commonly used to relieve muscle knots.

While generally safe, dry needling carries a rare risk of pneumothorax, a partially or fully collapsed lung. This can occur when a needle penetrates too deeply or at the wrong angle near the upper back or shoulder, puncturing the pleura (lung lining) and allowing air into the space between the lung and chest wall.

How it happens:

• Proximity to lung: Muscles like the trapezius or rhomboids are very close to the apex of the lung.
• Needle error: Too deep an insertion, incorrect angle, or needle slip can puncture the pleura.
• Lung collapse: Air enters the normally negative-pressure space, causing the lung to deflate.

Risk Factors include inadequate practitioner training, poor technique, patient anatomical variations, and sudden patient movement. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, or bluish skin.

Proper anatomical knowledge, careful technique, patient awareness, and prompt medical evaluation are key. Treatment can involve observation, aspiration, or a chest tube.

This marks the second Steelers player requiring hospital evaluation this week, following DK Metcalf, who experienced stomach pain in Baltimore but is expected to play Monday. As Watt continues his recovery, the focus turns to how Pittsburgh adjusts its pass-rush strategy without its cornerstone defender for a crucial game in Miami.

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