T.J. Watt

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

The Pittsburgh Steelers got the worst possible news about star pass rusher's T.J. Watt injury that knocked him out of practice this week.

Watt will be out indefinitely after suffering a partially collapsed lung this week, sending him to the hospital for treatment and evaluation of his injury.

Watt, 31, began suffering discomfort at the team's practice facility on Wednesday, where he was initially hospitalized as a precaution for further evaluation. 

The injury was ultimately deemed serious enough that the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the Steelers are unable to pinpoint a possible date for his return.

T.J. Watt's surgery was confirmed by his older brother JJ on social media, where he explained the procedure and what led to the injury. He explained that the Steelers great was expected to be released from the hospital on Friday.

"Yesterday, T.J. had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered on Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility," he posted. "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."

Watt's wife, Dani, also took to social media to provide an update on his condition in her latest Instagram story.

"Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support over the past couple of days. And praise God for the amazing medical teams at both hospitals!”

Mike Tomlin kept it short and sweet when commenting on his sack leader's injury with an update provided on Friday afternoon.

"This is the update that I have," said Tomlin. "He had a medical procedure yesterday. He's been released from the hospital. He's at home resting comfortably. So that's good news from a medical standpoint."

He said that Watt is out for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins, but the future is unclear, according to the coach.

"I do not (know when he will be back)," Tomlin said. "I hadn't looked beyond Monday night. I'm kind of one week at a time. I know he's not participating this week."