Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt remained hospitalized Thursday for further evaluation after experiencing lung-related discomfort while at the team’s practice facility a day earlier.
Coach Mike Tomlin said following Thursday’s practice that Watt stayed overnight in a local hospital and was undergoing additional testing.
“He stayed overnight in the hospital,” Tomlin said. “He has a lung situation that’s being addressed. I think he has some testing and so forth ahead of him this afternoon, and that’s all I know at this juncture.”
According to the team, Watt’s issue arose during treatment at the facility on Wednesday, which was an off day for the Steelers as they prepare to play Monday night. The organization has not provided further details on the nature of the condition.
T.J. Watt Injury Analysis
Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, said the situation does not align with scenarios involving a punctured lung from a rib block, such as the injury suffered by quarterback Tyrod Taylor in 2020.
“It doesn’t make sense that T.J. Watt would have a punctured lung from a doctor’s rib block,” Chao said. “You wouldn’t block a guy’s rib on a Wednesday — especially not when the game is on a Monday.”
Taylor’s injury occurred after a pregame injection meant to treat rib pain punctured his lung, a situation first identified publicly through medical analysis rather than insider reporting. Chao emphasized that Watt’s case appears different.
Chao also dismissed the likelihood of an IV-related air pocket causing the issue, noting that such an incident would typically result in a brief hospitalization rather than an extended stay.
“If that were the case, it would have been a temporary hospitalization on Wednesday or maybe into Thursday morning,” Chao said. “The latest reports are that he’s still at the hospital.”
Based on the available information, Chao said there does not appear to be trauma involved and suggested that the terminology used publicly may have been misleading. He stressed that there is no indication that the Steelers’ medical staff caused the issue.
Chao added that one possible explanation consistent with the hospitalization and ongoing testing could be a pulmonary embolism, a condition in which a blood clot travels to the lungs. Such clots can originate in the legs and are known to occur in athletes, particularly following lower-body injuries.
“That would explain the hospitalization and the additional testing,” Chao said. “I doubt his lung was injured, but shortness of breath could have occurred, fortunately for him, while he was at the facility.”
The Steelers have not commented on any specific diagnosis or timetable for Watt’s return. Watt’s availability for Monday’s game is in doubt, and his status beyond this week remains uncertain as testing continues.
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