Steelers All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt hospitalized for lung condition

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Dec 11, 2025

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt remained in a Pittsburgh hospital on Thursday afternoon as he continued to be evaluated for a lung issue. His availability for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins in question.

According to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, Watt experienced discomfort at the team's practice facility on Wednesday, went to the hospital and remained there overnight for further medical evaluation. After the Steelers practiced without Watt on Thursday, Tomlin indicated that Watt was still hospitalized.

"They're going through some procedures," Tomlin said after the practice. "He has a lung situation that's being addressed. That's all I know at this juncture."

Tomlin said he talked to the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday night and Watt "was comfortable, and that's all I know at this juncture."

Tomlin said Watt's status for Monday's game against the Dolphins "is really up in the air" and the Steelers will get more information based on the results of testing on Thursday.

A national report said the issue Watt was experiencing occurred during treatment, but Tomlin said he did not know specifically when it happened.

Watt has not missed a game since Week 8 of the 2022 season, a stretch of 56 consecutive games. He leads the team with seven sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries and is second with 10 tackles for loss.

If he cannot play against the Dolphins, Watt will be replaced by Nick Herbig in the starting lineup.