Steelers' Superstar Player Undergoes Lung Surgery

PITTSBURGH, PA — A key member of the Steelers will be unable to play in the team's Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium after undergoing surgery for a lung injury.

It's unclear how many games linebacker T.J. Watt will be out. Watt, 31, had started all of the Steelers' 13 games so far this season and has not missed a game since 2022.

Watt's brother, former NFL star J.J. Watt posted this update on X on Friday:

"Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility.

"Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today.

"He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is a treatment that healthcare providers use for pain and movement issues. With this technique, a provider inserts thin needles into or near a person's trigger points. The needles stimulate muscles, causing them to contract or twitch. This helps relieve pain and improve a person's range of motion.