Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker TJ Watt Hospitalized with Lung Issue

Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins, as star linebacker TJ Watt has been hospitalized due to a lung issue. The team announced the news on Thursday, leaving Watt’s availability for the game in doubt.

Head coach Mike Tomline provided an update after practice, emphasizing caution while sharing limited details on the situation.

Tomlin’s Update on TJ Watt Condition

Tomlin explained that he is not a medical expert and wanted to avoid speculation. He described how Watt began experiencing discomfort while at the team facility on Wednesday. The Steelers promptly send him to doctors for evaluation, where he underwent procedures and remained overnight in the hospital. Tomlin noted that Watt has a lung situation that is currently being addressed, with additional testing scheduled for Thursday afternoon. He expects those results to provide more clarity on Watt’s status.

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Will Watt Play Against the Dolphins on MNF?

Tomlin mentioned communicating with Watt on Wednesday night, during which the player reported feeling comfortable. However, Tomlin stressed that Watt’s participation in Monday’s game remains up in the air, pending the outcome of the ongoing tests. He added that he was unaware of exactly when the discomfort started and does not believe it stemmed from an injury sustained during or after a recent game, as it would have appeared on the injury report.

Steelers OLB TJ Watt is at the hospital undergoing medical evaluation of his lung.

A statement from the team: pic.twitter.com/OQ8c5cJDni
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025

Tomlin first learned of the issue when Watt was in the cafeteria at the facility. Watt, at 31 years old, has been a durable force for the Steelers, not missing a game since 2022. As a four-time first-team All-Pro, he has contributed significantly this season with 7.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 18 QB hits. If his issue continues, the Steelers would take a major blow with 4 games remaining, where anything can happen.

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.