“I haven’t had the answer [on what needs to change] for a long time, so don’t ask me,” Watt bluntly told reporters after the Wild Card round exit in the 2026 NFL Playoffs. “I don’t care about the adversity that I went through. I’m sitting up here again. Same story.”

However, when asked about his take on the buzz around Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh, Watt steered away with an answer fans may have a tough time believing. “I haven’t heard much of it, honestly,” Watt answered.

Tomlin’s seat is red-hot

If there was one thing Tomlin always excelled at, it was managing the roster and keeping the locker room in check. However, after the 30-6 loss at home to the Houston Texans, that trait may have worn down. Based on Watt’s candid postgame statement, patience is running finite in the City of Bridges, where one that has been standing for the past 19 NFL seasons may be taken down soon.

Fans across the league are wondering: Is Tomlin staying in Pittsburgh? What’s next for the Super Bowl-winning head coach? The answer is uncertain, but it’s safe to believe the Steelers will take a close look in the mirror.

Playoff losing streak extends

Following the embarrassing loss to the Texans, the Steelers have now dropped seven straight playoff games under Mike Tomlin. The last time Pittsburgh won an NFL postseason game was in January 2016, when they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to reach the AFC Championship Game, where they eventually lost to the New England Patriots.

Since then, the Steelers have been first-round exits every time they reached the playoffs. Moreover, they’ve become the first team in league history to lose five consecutive postseason games by double digits. At some point, the Steel City front office will have to weigh which carries more weight: the streak of non-losing seasons or the prolonged playoff drought. In the meantime, the team is only testing the patience of stars like Watt.

The Steelers had the opportunity to clinch the division last Sunday in Cleveland, but they suffered a shocking 13-6 loss to the Browns. Additionally, that would have allowed them to rest their starters for a week, since the game against Baltimore would have been irrelevant. Now, the entire outlook has changed.

Tomlin has not recorded a playoff victory in nearly nine years, and the franchise has gone 17 years without winning a Super Bowl. Because of this, a loss to the Ravens could bring many changes if another failure is confirmed.

Who is injured with Steelers?

T.J. Watt remains injured with the Steelers after the star player suffered a punctured lung during treatment before the game against the Miami Dolphins. The linebacker has been sidelined for three weeks while he recovers.

In a massive update for Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin confirmed that Watt has a chance to face the Ravens, although his participation in practice during the week will determine his availability.

“I’m optimistic about his potential inclusion in this game. We’ll work him up throughout the course of the week and let the amount of participation and the quality of participation be our guide in terms of whether or not he’s a participant. But certainly I’m more optimistic this week than I have been in previous weeks as I stand here today.”

“I got no update. I’m gonna let him talk. You guys see he’s back in the building. I’m just a little bit hesitant to talk about medical. It’s a little bit different than injury and so my preference is to allow him to speak for himself.”

Watt suffered a puncture in his lung during a dry needling treatment inside the Steelers’ facility, and the big question is when he will be back, considering it’s a crucial stretch of the season for their Super Bowl aspirations.

Who is injured with Steelers?

In addition to T.J. Watt, guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) and cornerback James Pierre (calf) are also injured for the Steelers and will not play against Detroit. Linebacker Nick Herbig is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

What do the Steelers need to make the playoffs?

The Steelers need to win their three remaining games against the Lions, Browns, and Ravens to qualify for the playoffs. They don’t depend on any other teams. If they secure all three victories, they will be AFC North champions and will host a playoff game in the Wild Card round.

This was confirmed in a report from his brother, J.J. Watt, on social media. “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.”

Now, everything indicates that the team led by Aaron Rodgers will lose its most important defensive player at a crucial point in the season, when they need to win out to take the AFC North and make the playoffs.

What happened to T.J. Watt?

T.J. Watt had an issue in one of his lungs while he was at the Steelers facility just a few days before the game against the Miami Dolphins. After a treatment session, the player felt discomfort and had to be taken to the hospital.

Will T.J. Watt play for Steelers against Dolphins?

T.J. Watt will not play for the Steelers against the Dolphins, according to information reported by Adam Schefter. The linebacker is expected to be released from the hospital today, but he will not be recovered in time for Monday Night Football.

“Steelers standout TJ Watt underwent surgery Thursday to repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday, as JJ Watt reported. TJ Watt is expected to be discharged from the hospital today but he is unlikely to play Monday night versus the Dolphins.”

Is T.J. Watt out for the rest of the season with Steelers?

T.J. Watt is expected to come back at some point this season according to a report from Ian Rapoport. However, if the characteristics are similar, the star linebacker could be facing the same situation that sidelined Tyrod Taylor for several weeks in 2020.

“Steelers star TJ Watt is expected to play again this season following surgery on his partially collapsed lung after a dry needling treatment, sources say. Sometimes this heals on its own. This didn’t, so surgery was necessary. A scary 24 hours. But full recovery expected.”

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a procedure many NFL players use to recover week to week. According to Ian Rapoport, that was the cause of the lung issue T.J. Watt suffered.

“Dry needling is a treatment many, many players do at the team facility without issue to alleviate general soreness. Following one treatment, TJ Watt was left in extreme pain, and doctors quickly sent him to the hospital. A harrowing experience. But minor surgery & full recovery.”

“What I can tell you is that there would have been no reason for the Steelers to give any of the type of treatment that Tyrod Taylor was getting five years ago, considering they didn’t even practice on Wednesday. My understanding of the timeline is this, T.J. Watt came into the facility on Wednesday morning, which was actually a player’s off day, he was coming in for a lift and just felt like he was having some pain. He actually went through, did his lift, did his workout, then went for his normal treatment, was still having pain, and so they decided to get him checked out.”

In 2020, Tyrod Taylor’s lung was accidentally punctured by the Chargers’ medical staff, and with no updates on Watt’s situation, many rumors pointed to something similar. That has been completely ruled out and, on a positive note, it seems the linebacker will return soon to help the Steelers in a possible Super Bowl run.

What is T.J. Watt’s injury?

T.J. Watt’s injury has been reported by Tom Pelissero as a tiny hole in his lung that, apparently, won’t have serious consequences for the player. At first, it was believed the issue was in other areas of his body, but different medical tests confirmed the diagnosis.

“Initially, they thought maybe it could be a collarbone issue based on where the pain was. They ruled that out. They then sent him for X-rays on his rib. Those came back negative. They did some additional tests that showed a small issue, like a tiny hole in his lung that then needed to be sent to the hospital and fixed. So, at this point, this is not a major issue. Easy for me to say, it’s not my lung, but not any type of a major or long-term issue for T.J. Watt. The issue has been fixed. What he needs now is rest.”

This explanation matches what Mike Tomlin said about Watt being in the cafeteria inside the Steelers’ facility when he felt the discomfort and was later taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

Will T.J. Watt play for Steelers against Dolphins?

T.J. Watt would not play for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Miami Dolphins, according to Tom Pelissero. “You never rule out a guy like T.J. Watt. It does seem unlikely that he’s gonna be available on Monday night.”

Alex Highsmith, Watt’s key teammate on the defensive line, described the situation as scary, according to a quote published by Brooke Pryor. “It’s definitely a scary situation. Tough situation. I’ve just been praying for him. I know he’s getting better.”

Watt has never been able to reach the Super Bowl with the Steelers, and he hasn’t even managed to get a playoff win during his career. No one knows if this medical situation could keep him out during this final push for Pittsburgh in the 2025 season.

T.J. Watt was hospitalized: Is there any update on the Steelers’ player medical condition?

The only update the Steelers have given on T.J. Watt is that he is hospitalized after feeling discomfort in his lung. Mike Tomlin also spoke on the matter but didn’t say what caused it or how long his player’s recovery might take.

Will T.J. Watt play for Steelers vs Dolphins?

It is not known if T.J. Watt will play with the Steelers against the Dolphins because the team hasn’t revealed what type of injury he has and is waiting for more medical tests to determine a definitive diagnosis. What is certain is that the problem occurred while he was receiving treatment at the Steelers’ facility.

“I’m a little bit cautious about what I say because I’m not a medical expert, but, to make a long story short, he was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday. So, we took him to the doctors and they’re going through some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital. He has a lung situation that’s being addressed. He and I communicated last night. He was comfortable and that’s all I have really at this point. His status for Monday night is really up in the air. I think what transpires this afternoon is going to provide more information for us. I just don’t have a lot as I stand here today.”

The Steelers need to win their four remaining games to secure the AFC North and have a real chance at the Super Bowl. The defense has struggled in recent weeks, and not having Watt on the field could have serious consequences.

T.J. Watt injury update: What happened with the Steelers’ player?

Mike Tomlin could not confirm what prompted the discomfort in T.J. Watt. “I don’t know. I don’t know specifically when it occurred. I know he was in the cafeteria at one point and that’s kind of when I got wind of it.”

Tomlin was also asked if, to his knowledge, Watt was dealing with anything worthy of being on the injury report at any point. “Not to my knowledge at all particularly in game or after the game. Nothing.”

Now, uncertainty is total about what happened and how long it could take T.J. Watt to recover as the Steelers face the most important moment of the 2025 season.

Minutes later, a report from Adam Schefter revealed more details. “Sources: T.J. Watt’s lung injury occurred during treatment at the team facility Wednesday. Watt has been hospitalized since then.”

A few months ago, the Steelers sent a clear message that Watt was a key piece to remain a Super Bowl contender by making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Now, they could lose him at the most important moment of the season.

Is TJ Watt in the hospital?

Yes. T.J. Watt is in the hospital after feeling discomfort in his lungs. The Steelers have not provided any additional details about what the issue is, and they also haven’t confirmed whether he will be out for the game against the Dolphins.

How long is TJ Watt’s contract?

T.J. Watt signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, so the star defensive player is guaranteed to remain with the team through the 2028 season, as he was entering the final year of his previous deal.

This was the team’s statement. “T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday. He will not be at practice on Thursday and his status for Monday night’s game vs Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”

“T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday. He will not be at practice on Thursday and his status for Monday night’s game vs Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”

Watt is the best player on the Steelers’ defense and a key piece for making a Super Bowl run. With the AFC completely wide open, this absence could be a huge blow to their playoff hopes.

What happened to T.J. Watt?

T.J. Watt is in the hospital after experiencing discomfort in one of his lungs during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ week of practice. Even though they had Wednesday off, the team’s statement confirms that the issue was detected inside the facility.

What’s T.J. Watt’s injury?

It has not yet been confirmed what T.J. Watt’s exact injury is, but according to the information provided by the Steelers, the issue appears to be discomfort in one of his lungs. The cause and the recovery timeline have not been revealed.

Watt didn’t hide his frustration after watching the Bills gash the Steelers on the ground. Reflecting on the loss, he admitted, “I’ve never seen a team run the same play that much and have that kind of success,” a blunt assessment that captured how overwhelmed the Steelers’ defense looked.

The Bills’ rushing game was overwhelmingly dominant, totaling 249 rushing yards, validating Watt’s message, which seemed to be both a criticism of the Steelers‘ defense and coaches, and simultaneously a form of praise for Buffalo’s Offensive Coordinator, Joe Brady.

Bills leave a deep mark on Pittsburgh

The Bills didn’t just win the game; they also took the opportunity to establish a new record for rushing yards by a road team against the Steelers: “The 249 yards rushing today by Bills were the most by a road team at Pittsburgh since Buffalo had 310 on 9/28/1975, including 227 from O.J. Simpson,” reported the AP on X.

Unsurprisingly, some Pittsburgh fans were furious. The Steelers managed only 58 rushing yards, leading to fan comments far harsher than Watt’s. “The bills have almost 300 yards rushing and we have 90 yards of offense. I hope to m—- f— god they fire Arthur Smith, Teryl Austin at the end of this quarter. Art Rooney is a f—- Puppet,” wrote Cam on X (@killacam0531).

Kevin Massare of Bills Roundtable wrote on X about his team’s performance in Pittsburgh: “The Bills went into Pittsburgh and have broken rushing records in this stadium. Shout out to the Bills OL and Joe Brady’s game plan… Who also kept Josh Allen clean with two backup Ots.”

“If he’s going to pass my record, that’s one hell of a way to do it. Good for you T.J.,” J.J. said during the game against the Bears, where he was working as a commentator for CBS Sports. T.J. Watt now stands at 115 sacks after his takedown of the Chicago quarterback.

T.J. Watt will obviously continue to extend the sack record and further distance himself from his brother J.J.’s mark. J.J., for his part, even joked about coming out of retirement and returning to the field: “Well, that’s it I’m gonna put the pads back on because this is preposterous,” J.J. said on CBS Sports.

How many years did J.J. Watt play in the NFL?

J.J. Watt played 12 years in the NFL. One of his finest seasons came in 2012 with 20.5 sacks, a total he repeated in 2014. While he never had another 20-plus sack season, he posted 17.5 sacks in 2015. After that, his career was plagued by injuries, with his last strong seasons being 2018 (16 sacks) and his final year in 2022 (12.5 sacks).

J.J. never won a Super Bowl ring, but he reached the playoffs in six seasons, a solid achievement for a player of his caliber. In those nine playoff games (mostly with the Texans), he recorded a total of 6 sacks and 31 combined tackles.

T.J. Watt could surpass his brother in other stats

Beyond sacks, T.J. could potentially surpass J.J. in career longevity. At 31 years old, T.J. already has nine years in the league. Furthermore, with 500 combined tackles currently, it is possible he could top J.J.’s total of 586. In terms of Quarterback Hits, the retired Watt brother has 317, while T.J. currently sits at 241.