The Pittsburgh Steelers might have turned their season around when they beat the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 15, but an unexpected injury to star pass-rusher T.J. Watt is leaving the team unexpectedly shorthanded for at least a week.
Watt underwent surgery after suffering a lung injury while the Steelers prepared for their "Monday Night Football" game against the Miami Dolphins, forcing Watt off the field for the pivotal game as Pittsburgh tries to maintain a lead over the Ravens in the AFC North.
Watt has had a quiet season by his standards from a sack standpoint, sitting on only seven through 13 games, but he has been a disruptor with 18 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss, even if he isn't quite matching his 2023 or 2024 production.
Here's what you need to know about Watt's injury and how it happened away from the field.
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What happened to T.J. Watt?
Watt suffered a collapsed lung during a dry needling session inside the Steelers facility and underwent surgery on Thursday, his brother, J.J., confirmed. He was released from the hospital on Friday, two days after the initial injury.
While the injury sometimes can heal on its own, Watt required surgery that will keep him out for Week 15.
How did T.J. Watt get a collapsed lung?
Watt's lung was inadvertently punctured while undergoing a dry needling session. It isn't clear what prompted the treatment, but dry needling can be used to alleviate muscle pain, tendinitis and more.
Dry needling does not involve any injections, as a thin, solid needle is used rather than a needle that can inject a fluid or medication, but a mistake resulted in the needle reaching Watt's lung during a treatment session on Wednesday.
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When will T.J. Watt return?
Watt could return as soon as the Steelers' Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions, though reports on his timeline vary.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Steelers are "hopeful" Watt can return for Week 16, while ESPN's Adam Schefter said a return for Week 16 could be "challenging" for Watt. The Steelers have not provided a firm timeline.
Watt's status for Week 16 could remain up in the air until the game approaches, if those reports are any indication, but the positive news for the Steelers is that their star pass-rusher is on track to return during the regular season as Pittsburgh fights for a division title.
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What is dry needling treatment?
Dry needling is a "skilled intervention where the provider uses a thin needle to penetrate the skin with the goal of alleviating pain and improving movement," according to ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell.
Dry needling can be used to treat muscle pain/strains (e.g., hamstring, quad), tendinitis/tendinopathy (e.g., patellofemoral, biceps, rotator cuff), plantar fasciitis and headaches," Bell says, adding that the practice has become more common over the last decade but mishaps such as Watt's have not been common.
The exact reason for the treatment in Watt's case isn't known, but he is now on the road to recovery after a painful experience.
Tyrod Taylor collapsed lung
Watt's injury is similar to what QB Tyrod Taylor experienced with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, but not exactly the same. Taylor was receiving a painkilling injection when a team doctor accidentally punctured his lung, whereas Watt was not receiving any fluid or medication through the needle.
Taylor was ruled out for about a month after the mishap, but he never regained his job because of the success of rookie QB Justin Herbert. Watt will not have to worry about anyone taking his job during his absence, which isn't expected to last as long.
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