It was business as usual for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday as the team returned from a rare day off on Wednesday with a Monday Night Football contest on the horizon. Everything was normal for the fan base as well, until it was announced that star edge rusher TJ Watt was in the hospital due to some sort of lung issue. There was not a lot of information given by the team, which has sparked plenty of speculation about what the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year could be going through. At this time, everyone is simply hoping for him to be okay long-term.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt (90) stands on the field with some of his defensive teammates as the group works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers have yet to officially rule Watt out (as of Friday morning) for Monday's matchup with the Miami Dolphins, but there seems to be a little bit of doubt regarding the defender's ability to suit up. Without too much to go off of from an information perspective, there have been several different possibilities mentioned by plenty of reputable doctors on social media.
Dr. David J. Chao was the San Diego Chargers' team physician for many years and is known for accurately predicting injuries and medical situations on X prior to an official announcement being made. While he doesn't believe Watt's issue was due to a mishandled injection (similar to what happened to Tryod Taylor in 2020), he has serious concerns that something else may be wrong.
"The most likely situation, and I hope everything works out great, is a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot that travels from his legs up to his lungs," Chao stated. "Did he have leg issues, injury, knee, leg or something in a football game undoubtedly? It's happened before and maybe when he was at the facility, the blood clot traveled from his legs [and] up into his lungs causing the discomfort."
Chao continued to discuss what his theories are about the situation. He does not have any insider knowledge, which is very important to note, but he does have a plethora of experience, and has seen pretty much everything.
"That would explain the hospitalization. That would explain the additional testing. I doubt his lung was injured then, but the shortness of breath probably happened, fortunately for him, while he was at the Steelers' facility."
Once again, Chao expressed concern that Watt may not be dealing with a simple issue. If something occurred out of nowhere at the facility on Wednesday, it could have been very scary.
"Let's wish him the best of luck. If it is a pulmonary embolism; sometimes they're life threatening. It doesn't seem like that's the case here. It can be treated. Players have returned to play football, but certainly not this week and probably not this season if that is the case."
Time will tell, but the Steelers' fan base is hoping that, for once, Chao is wrong in his analysis. Football aside, it could have long-term affects on Watt's life, who recently became a father.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) on the playing surface as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
During his usual Thursday Night Football halftime injury chat, Chao spoke once more about the status of Watt in a separate segment. He mentioned the scary threatening aspect of a blood clot once again.
"The fact that he's still in the hospital [as of Thursday evening] means it wasn't just an air bubble of some sort from an IV from when he was sick or something," Chao said. "My worry is a blood clot, and a blood clot, fortunately for him, may have progressed to his lungs when he was at the Steelers' facility. That can be life-threatening. Now, I hope not."
Team insider Mark Kaboly also wrote a piece about Watt's hospital trip, and while he did not confirm and kind of diagnosis, he happened to mention blood clot situations several different times.
"There have been other incidents around the league as recent as last year, where Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore was receiving treatment when a trainer noticed a bruise on his calf. Barmore was later diagnosed – after testing at a Boston hospital – of having a blood clot," Kaboly wrote. "Center Billy Price retired in 2024 at age 29 after being diagnosed with severe blood clots that traveled to his lungs, which required surgery. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung, according to the Mayo Clinic website."
Everyone will continue to hope for the best for Watt, but signs are pointing to a prolonged absence due to an unexpected medical issue. The team has been rather quiet, which hints that it is respecting the privacy of Watt currently. There should be more information prior to Monday evening's showdown with the Dolphins.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stands on the field with his hands in the air as the team competes in a professional football game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Do Not Have Football In Mind Right Now When It Comes To TJ Watt
Watt is a heck of a football player, but nothing trumps the long-term health and wellbeing of a player, regardless of who it is. The organization will support him in any and all possible ways during this difficult time. Time will tell what the true diagnosis is, but the most important thing of all is that the Steelers legend recovers and is able to not suffer any serious long-term effects.
Do you think the Steelers know what is going on with Watt and are keeping it in house? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation