Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers reacts to T.J. Watt hospitalization

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that outside linebacker T.J. Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after experiencing discomfort in his lung. Watt experienced discomfort during a treatment session at the team facility and the four-time All-Pro has been hospitalized ever since, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Thursday addressed the news of Watt’s hospitalization. The 42-year-old revealed he hasn’t had a chance to talk with Watt.

“I haven’t talked to T.J., but I would never bet against anybody in the Watt family of being able to deal with something small or large and getting back on the field as quickly as possible,” Rodgers said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

Due to his hospitalization, Watt’s status for Monday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins “is in question,” per team spokesperson Burt Lauten. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation after practice on Thursday.

Mike Tomlin addresses scary T.J. Watt situation

“I’m a little bit cautious about what I say, because I am not a medical expert,” Tomlin said. “But to make a long story short, he was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday. So, we took him to the docs [doctors] and they’re going through some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital. 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.

“He and I communicated last night, he was comfortable, and that’s all I have really at this point. His status for Monday night is really up in the air. I think what transpires this afternoon is going to provide more information for us. I just don’t have a lot as I stand here today.”

Watt, 31, is a nine-year NFL pro and has played in all 13 of the Steelers’ games this season, tallying 53 total tackles, seven sacks and an interception. He’s recently dealt with a nagging toe injury but hasn’t missed any significant time this season.

Watt in 2024 recorded 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 17 regular season games. He was named to a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Second Team for the second time in his career. Watt has been with the Steelers his entire career, which spans nine seasons, including 2025. He recently signed a three-year, $123 million contract that included $108 million fully guaranteed upon signing.