Pittsburgh Steelers fans were hit with a wave of concern on Wednesday when All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt was unexpectedly taken to a Pittsburgh-area hospital for further evaluation of his lung. The team confirmed the medical scare after Watt experienced noticeable discomfort at the team’s practice facility.
The sudden development has added tension to an already high-stakes week for Pittsburgh — and as NY Buzz has seen with major sports moments before, uncertainty around a franchise cornerstone tends to ripple across the entire league.
What Happened at the Facility?
According to the Steelers, the issue began when Watt reported discomfort during treatment on Wednesday.
Sources later told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the lung injury actually occurred during treatment, not on the field. Watt was immediately hospitalized and has remained under medical supervision since.
The team announced he will not participate in Thursday’s practice, and his availability for the upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins is unclear.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has held off on providing detailed updates, promising to speak “at the appropriate time.”
A Critical Absence at a Critical Time
Watt’s potential absence couldn’t come at a more intense stage of the season. The Steelers enter Week 15 with a 7–6 record, holding a narrow one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings.
The 31-year-old linebacker is in the middle of his ninth season with Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant defenders:
- 7× Pro Bowler
- 4× First-Team All-Pro
- 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- 115 career sacks, the most in Steelers history
- Led NFL in sacks three separate seasons
This year alone, Watt has stacked up:
7.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 18 QB hits, and 10 tackles for loss — all in just 13 games.
He also recently passed his brother, J.J. Watt, on the NFL’s all-time sack list, a milestone that had fans celebrating across social media.
Who Steps In If Watt Misses Monday Night?
If Watt is unable to suit up for the highly anticipated primetime game against Miami, the Steelers will likely turn to Nick Herbig.
Herbig — a fellow Wisconsin Badger — has quietly built an impressive year:
- 6.5 sacks (career high)
- 3 forced fumbles
- 1 fumble recovery
- 1 interception
He has also started nine games over the last two seasons and has shown steady growth in Pittsburgh’s defensive system.
Still, replacing T.J. Watt is no simple task. His leadership, explosiveness, and ability to completely change a game in a single play are irreplaceable traits.
What Comes Next?
For now, the Steelers — and fans across the NFL — wait for further updates from Coach Tomlin. Watt’s health is the priority, but his status holds major implications for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes and the AFC North race.
NY Buzz will continue tracking this story as more details emerge, ensuring readers stay ahead of every major development involving one of the league’s biggest stars.