Pittsburgh Steelers defender TJ Watt will miss Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins after a dry needling incident led to an issue with his lung.
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JJ Watt, the older brother of the four-time All-Pro, announced the news. NFL insider Ian Rapoport then reported that this injury should not lead to Watt landing on Injured Reserve. He should return this season as the Steelers push for a division crown.
"Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility," JJ posted on X on Friday.
"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."
Dry needling is a rather routine method of relieving pain and soreness. Many compare it to acupuncture due to the use of small needles.
Dry needling features stainless steel needles being placed into trigger points, such as knots and "hard" muscles. The expectation is that this process can help release the knots. Acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system, lower inflammation, and increase blood flow.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not have all of the details surrounding Watt's condition, but he told reporters on Friday that the defender was out of the hospital.
"This is the update that I have," Tomlin said. "He had a medical procedure today — or yesterday. He's been released from the hospital.
"He's at home, resting comfortably. So that's good news from a medical standpoint, but from a participation standpoint, he'll be described as out this week for Monday night."
Tomlin added that he will view this situation on a weekly basis as the team nears the end of the season.
Watt has appeared in every game this season as the Steelers have gone 7-6. He has posted 53 tackles and seven sacks. He has one interception, which came against Carson Wentz and the Vikings.
The Steelers have four games remaining this regular season. They face off with the Dolphins on Monday before closing out the schedule against the Lions, Browns, and Ravens.
