Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher and Wisconsin native T.J. Watt needed surgery to address a partially collapsed lung, the unexpected result of a dry-needling physical-therapy treatment at the Steelers facility.
Watt’s older brother, retired NFL superstar J.J., provided an update on X about T.J.’s condition.
“Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today,” J.J. wrote Dec. 12. “He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes.”
Pneumothorax, or a punctured lung, is a possible result of dry needling, though very rare.
Dry needling refers to a form of physical therapy with large needles designed to stimulate blood flow around muscular and soft tissue injures. Former Packers employee and NFL commentator Andrew Brandt said it’s common for players to receive treatment at their own facilities.
“For insertion around chest, there is some risk of pneumothorax that needs to be fully explained before treatment,” Brandt wrote.
T.J., who was not on the injury report prior to the development, won’t play Dec. 15 on Monday Night Football when the Steelers face the Dolphins and presumably will be lost for multiple weeks. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network posted Dec. 12 that Watt was expected to play again this season.
ESPN reported that the NFL Players Association had been in touch with Watt over the incident. “Our main immediate priority is supporting T.J.’s health and full recovery,” the NFLPA said in a statement.
Watt, 31, who has been named a Pro Bowler each of the past seven years and received top-five standing in the defensive player of the year voting in five of those years, may not have the numbers that match his recent production but remains a difference maker. In 13 games this season, he has seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, seven passes defended and an interception, with 10 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits.
Watt played football at Pewaukee High School and became an All-American linebacker at the University of Wisconsin. He momentarily became the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a three-year, $123 million contract extension before the year.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Steelers’ T.J. Watt needs surgery for collapsed lung after treatment mishap
Reporting by JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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