PITTSBURGH -- Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt had successful surgery Thursday to repair a partially collapsed lung that he sustained after a dry needling session at the team practice facility on Wednesday, brother J.J. Watt said in a statement posted to social media.
T.J. Watt's recovery timeline is still to be determined, his brother said, and he's set to be released from the hospital Thursday afternoon.
"He and his family are very appreciative of everyone's kind words and well wishes," J.J. Watt said in the statement.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is a treatment used for "pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points." To perform this treatment, providers typically insert thin needles "into or near your trigger points to stimulate muscles, which causes them to contract or twitch and helps to relieve pain and improve range of motion."
Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after receiving treatment at the facility on the Steelers' day off, and he remained there Thursday for imaging and tests before the surgery.
The NFL Players Association is aware of the situation and has been in touch with Watt and his representation.
In 2020, then-Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a punctured lung when a doctor tried to administer pain medication for fractured ribs pregame. Taylor was medically cleared to return a month after the puncture.
Watt had six tackles, including one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit in the win against the Ravens on Sunday where he played 68 (88%) defensive snaps. The former Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension in July, has 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception this season along with 18 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss in 13 games this season.
If Watt is unable to play Monday, the Steelers would rely on a rotation of pass rushers in Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer.
"I think T.J.'s done a great job of being a leader, not just in the room, but in the whole building, the organization," Herbig said. "I think he rubs off on a lot of people in the right way, and I'm not worried at all because we have great guys, great leaders that'll pick up that slack. I think that he's prepared, not just myself, but a bunch of the younger guys in that sense to be able to take on that larger role, not just as a player but as a leader and bringing that energy."
