Pittsburgh Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt had a major health scare on Wednesday after he was hospitalized with lung discomfort. Now, on Friday, more details have emerged about what truly happened. The Steelers’ training staff made a mistake while using dry needles to treat Watt. NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained that dry needling is a common treatment many players undergo at the team facility without issue to relieve general soreness.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers insider linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and edge rusher TJ Watt (90) walk on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Following one treatment, however, Watt was left in extreme pain, prompting doctors to rush him to the hospital. It was a scary experience for Watt, but thankfully, he underwent minor surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. The incident shocked the team and fans alike, highlighting how even routine treatments can sometimes go wrong.
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.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2025
A harrowing experience. But minor surgery & full recovery. https://t.co/VUXQDM13u8
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen also shared his perspective on the scary moment during an appearance with Brooke Pryor on Friday. Queen explained why he personally avoids dry needling, citing his fear of the procedure and noting that acupuncture, which requires more extensive training, is a safer alternative in his eyes. His comments offered insight into the risks players sometimes face in their pursuit of staying healthy and performing at the highest level.
Patrick Queen said he gets acupuncture over dry needling bc acu requires more education to administer.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 12, 2025
“There’s a whole much more scientific thing goes into it. I don't do the whole dry needle thing. I'm actually scared of dry needle, so I kind of stay away from that stuff.”
Queen is one of the rarer players in the NFL who avoids dry needle therapy altogether, as he finds it too risky for his liking. As more details have emerged, many players have come forward to talk about what happened. In this case, it seems the Steelers’ training staff simply had a freak incident, and it has now become a costly mistake for Watt’s health and the organization.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' TJ Watt and Patrick Queen make a play on Ravens' running back Derrick Henry.
Fortunately for Watt, he has had successful surgery and is now in the recovery process.
Steelers Are Now Without Star Pass Rusher TJ Watt
He is expected to miss at least a month, meaning he will not be able to play Monday night in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins. This is a major blow to the Steelers defense, which was already facing challenges. The unit had been expected to be one of the best in the 2025 season, but injuries and inconsistent play have prevented them from living up to those expectations.
Now, the team must head into a critical stretch of the season and a playoff push without their best player, Watt. His absence will put additional pressure on the linebackers and pass rushers to step up, and it forces the coaching staff to adjust their schemes. The Steelers’ defense will need leadership, depth, and resilience to compensate for Watt’s loss and maintain their competitiveness in the playoff race.
Douglas DeFelice / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' star edge rusher TJ Watt and Head Coach Mike Tomlin communicate with one another on the sideline during a professional football game on the road.
Watt’s injury underscores how fragile even elite defenses can be when a key player is sidelined, and it serves as a reminder that success in the NFL often hinges on staying healthy at crucial moments. The Steelers record without Watt has not been good. Now they will have a chance to prove they can perform without Watt on the field.
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