Mike Tomlin Provides Steelers Fans With Timeline On TJ Watt's Likely Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers headed into their Week 15 contest against the Miami Dolphins without superstar pass rusher TJ Watt. The Steelers’ defensive anchor was unexpectedly hospitalized earlier in the week after suffering a collapsed lung following a dry needling treatment. While it was an unfortunate and frightening accident for Watt, the injury was not related to football activity, and his recovery has progressed quicker than initially anticipated.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Watt has been eager to return to the field as soon as possible. His absence was certainly felt, but the Steelers’ defense rose to the challenge, helping secure a 28–15 victory over the Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 8–6, keeping itself firmly in the playoff hunt as the 2025 season begins to wind down.

As the stakes continue to rise, the focus now shifts to when Watt might be able to rejoin the lineup. One medical expert previously expressed concern that the injury could potentially sideline him for the remainder of the season, but Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin offered a much more optimistic outlook following the game. Tomlin’s comments provided clarity and reassurance, signaling that Watt’s return may come sooner than many initially feared.

"Last things first," Tomlin started while speaking to the Steelers media after the win on Monday night. "We've gotta lot of confidence in our edge group as a collective and so we are never surprised when they play well. You know, we view [Nick] Herbig as starter-like, certainly. We are excited about the bright side and the future of Jack Sawyer, so we are not surprised that they are able to step in and hold the standard. We are also excited to get TJ back. I texted with him pregame just to let him know that he was missed."

Tomlin made sure to highlight Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer, two of the players who stepped up in Watt’s absence with impressive performances. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the win was the Steelers’ ability to slow down the Dolphins’ potent rushing attack without their star player.

Historically, the Steelers have struggled without Watt, entering Monday Night Football with a 1–11 record in games he missed. With this victory, they improve to 2–11, underscoring just how significant Watt’s presence is for the team. 

Tomlin also shared details of his pregame conversation with Watt via text, giving fans a glimpse into the superstar’s mindset and determination to return to the field as soon as possible.

"I am sure he is excited to get back around his teammates sooner rather than later," Tomlin said.

While Tomlin didn’t provide an exact timeline, his comment that Watt’s return could be “sooner rather than later” is an interesting tidbit for those reading between the lines. 

Steelers Get Scare With Nick Herbig

It’s reassuring to know that the plan is for Watt to get back on the field after the initial scare. The defense proved it can rise to the occasion, and now Watt will have the opportunity to rest, recover, and see when he can safely return.

Tomlin also emphasized Alex Highsmith’s impact, noting that his contributions in keeping the defense steady without Watt cannot be overstated. The bad news for the Steelers, however, is that Tomlin revealed Herbig is dealing with a hamstring injury that is currently being evaluated. More details will naturally come as the team works to determine the severity of the injury and Herbig’s status heading into Week 16.

What was your biggest takeaway from the Steelers' win over the Dolphins in Week 15? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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