Why isn’t T.J. Watt playing against the Dolphins in Week 15 MNF? Steelers LB injury status
In a crucial Week 15 matchup in Monday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be without linebacker T.J. Watt.
Linebacker T.J. Watt will play no part in the Steelers’ Monday Night Football matchup with the Dolphins today, as the 31-year-old recovers from a lung issue apparently caused by a routine medical treatment.
What happened to T.J. Watt?
On Friday, Watt’s brother J.J, a former Texans defensive end, said the Steelers player had had “successful surgery” after suffering a partially collapsed lung during a dry-needling treatment session on Wednesday.
Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2025
Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today.
He and his…
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a form of physical therapy commonly used to relieve muscle knots. You can find out more about the technique in this explainer by AS USA’s Jen Bubel.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Watt would definitely miss this week’s MNF clash, but offered no further timeline on the seven-time Pro Bowler’s return to action.
“He’s been released from the hospital, he’s at home resting comfortably, and so that’s good news from a medical standpoint,” Tomlin said. “But from a participation standpoint, he’ll be described as ‘out’ this week for Monday night.”
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has reported that Watt is expected to play again this season. “Sometimes this heals on its own,” Rapoport said. “This didn’t, so surgery was necessary. A scary 24 hours. But full recovery expected.”
Steelers injury report vs Dolphins:
- Out: James Pierre (calf), Andrus Peat (concussion), T.J. Watt (lung)
- Questionable: Derrick Harmon (knee)
Steelers chase division title
Chasing a first AFC North title since 2020, the Steelers host the Dolphins in the midst of a tight division race with the Baltimore Ravens.
After beating the Bengals 24-0 on Sunday, Baltimore improved to 7-7 - leaving the Marylanders just behind the Steelers, who currently lead the division with a 7-6 record.
As things stand, neither the Steelers nor the Ravens would have a good enough record to earn a Wild Card berth as the second-placed finisher in the AFC North.
The Steelers go into Week 15 with a 54% chance of making the postseason, per the NFL’s ‘playoff probability’ calculator; this will increase to 61% if they beat Miami.
Dolphins vs Steelers: time, how to watch
In Week 15 of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Steelers host the Dolphins today, Monday, December 15, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.
In the U.S., the game will air nationally on ESPN and ABC. Your streaming options include fubo, which offers new users a free trial.
You’ll also have the option of following live-text coverage with AS USA. NFL expert Dane Arlauckas will be talking you through all the action, play by play.
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