Steelers’ T.J. Watt has surgery for collapsed lung

pittsburgh– steelers star pass rusher tj watt He underwent successful surgery Thursday to repair a partially damaged lung that his brother JJ Watt suffered after a dry needling session at the team practice facility on Wednesday. said on social media,

The timeline for TJ Watt’s recovery has not yet been determined and he will be released from the hospital Thursday afternoon, his brother said.

“He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes,” JJ Watt wrote.

Watt was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after receiving treatment at the facility on the Steelers’ offseason, and he remained there Thursday for imaging and tests before surgery.

The NFL Players Association is aware of the situation and has been in contact with Watt and his representation.

If Watt is unable to play on Monday against miami dolphinsSteelers will rely on a rotation of pass rushers alex highsmith, Nick Herbig And jack sawyer,

“I think TJ has done a great job of being a leader not only in the room, but in the entire building, the organization,” Herbig said. “I think he rubs off on a lot of guys in the right way, and I’m not worried at all because we have great guys, great leaders that will fill that void. I think he’s ready for not just me, but a group of young guys in the sense that he’s going to be able to step into a bigger role, not only as a player but as a leader and bring that energy.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is a treatment used for “pain and movement issues associated with myofascial trigger points.” To perform this treatment, providers typically insert “thin needles into or near your trigger points to stimulate the muscles, causing them to contract or twitch and help relieve pain and improve range of motion.”

Again in 2020-chargers quarterback tyrod taylor He punctured a lung when a doctor tried to administer pain medication for broken ribs before the game. Taylor was medically cleared to return a month after the puncture.

Watt had six tackles, including one tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in the win against Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, when he played 68 defensive snaps (88%). The former Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension in July, has 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception as well as 18 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss in 13 games.