Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt underwent surgery Thursday to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered after treatment at the Steelers' facility on Wednesday, his brother, J.J. Watt, said Friday in a social media post.
T.J. Watt's recovery timeline remains to be determined, but the All-Pro defender is being released from the hospital on Friday, J.J. Watt added.
"He and his family are very appreciative of everyone's kind words and well wishes," J.J. continued.
The Steelers star suffered the partially collapsed lung after a "dry needling treatment session," J.J. said.
T.J. Watt is expected to play again this season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday, per sources. The Steelers have four games remaining in the regular season.
Coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after Friday's practice that Watt was out of the hospital after Thursday's procedure but will not play Monday against the Dolphins.
The Steelers announced on Thursday that Watt was in a Pittsburgh-area hospital for an evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the facility on Wednesday.
Watt, a ninth-year pro, has played in all 13 of Pittsburgh's games this season, totaling 53 tackles, seven sacks and an interception. Last Sunday, Watt logged six tackles and a QB hit and played 68 of 77 defensive snaps in the Steelers' 27-22 win over Baltimore.
The four-time first-team All-Pro recently dealt with a toe injury but has not missed any significant time this season.
Tomlin told reporters on Thursday that he didn't know what caused Watt's recent lung discomfort and that he had no knowledge of anything that would have led to the pass rusher being listed on the injury report prior to this week.
Pittsburgh (7-6) is in the middle of a tight race for the AFC North title. The Steelers host Miami (6-7) on Monday night at 8:15 p.m. ET.
