Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt hospitalized with lung issue

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 4:34 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally had a terrifying health update regarding the team’s heartbeat, T.J. Watt.

In a week where the chatter should be about Aaron Rodgers silencing critics or the team climbing back atop the AFC North, the focus has shifted entirely to a hospital room in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers announced on Thursday that Watt, their perennial All-Pro pass-rusher, has been hospitalized to evaluate a lung issue.

T.J. Watt sidelined after discomfort at practice

According to Schefter, Watt was receiving standard treatment at the team facility on Wednesday when he began experiencing discomfort. That discomfort was concerning enough to send him to the hospital, where he has remained.

Sources: T.J. Watt’s lung injury occurred during treatment at the team facility Wednesday. Watt has been hospitalized since then. https://t.co/ac61o3X2vk pic.twitter.com/cJ5rmUzbmE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2025

Team spokesman Burt Lauten confirmed that Watt would miss Thursday’s practice, leaving his status for Monday night’s crucial showdown against the Miami Dolphins in doubt.

Playoff implications for the Steelers

Losing Watt for any amount of time is a nightmare scenario. The Steelers are sitting at 7-6, clinging to a one-game lead over Baltimore in the AFC North. With the offense finally clicking, Rodgers threw for 284 yards last week, the timing of this injury feels particularly cruel.

The defense relies on Watt to wreck game plans. Without him, the margin for error against a speedy Dolphins team shrinks to microscopic levels.