The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a crucial stretch in the 2025 NFL Regular Season, and may be doing it without All-Pro linebacker, TJ Watt. Watt suffered a lung injury in the days leading up to Pittsburgh's 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins that required him to be hospitalized and eventually undergo surgery. Since then, there hasn't been too much said about what exactly happened to Watt and what his status is moving forward. One Steelers insider believes there is much more to the story than what has been publicly revealed.
Nick Wass / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024 in Baltimore.
Many folks around the Steelers organization haven't given much insight around Watt's current condition, which has left many fans curious as to how bad the situation really is.
Watt was ruled out of Pittsburgh's Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions, but no further updates have been given on if Watt will see the field in Week 17, 18, or the postseason (if the team gets there). For a player as important as Watt, that kind of silence feels unusual. He’s not just another starter; he’s the heart of the defense and one of the faces of the franchise.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly thinks there is a reason behind the silence surrounding Watt's injury. Kaboly made an appearance on the PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on 93.7 The Fan on Friday to share what he believes is going on inside the organization. Kaboly has covered the team long enough to know when something feels off, and in his eyes, this situation clearly does.
"I just believe that there is more to this story than people are leading on, and I don't think you're going to hear it from the Steelers," Kaboly said. "There's a lot of cover up going on."
This is simply all assumption from Kaboly, but his opinion holds weight due to the fact that Watt himself has not spoken about the situation to this point. The fact that he’s gone completely silent only adds more fuel to the speculation. Watt is usually one of the team’s more visible leaders, so the lack of any message or update feels out of character. Until that changes, fans are left trying to read between the lines.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt after a play against the Chiefs in Week 17 of the 2024 season.
Even Head Coach Mike Tomlin doesn't have much to say, not wanting to speak on behalf of Watt and his health. Tomlin is typically tight-lipped when it comes to injuries, but this situation feels even more quiet than normal. Usually, there’s at least some sort of timeline or vague optimism offered. In this case, there’s been almost nothing.
"I don't think we'll ever find out [what really happened]," Kaboly said. "Obviously TJ will eventually talk. Will he say anything? Probably not."
From an on the field standpoint, the timing couldn’t be worse. Pittsburgh is in the middle of a playoff push, battling through a tough AFC North race and every game matters. Although the Steelers were able to win without Watt in Week 15, their franchise record without him in the lineup is now just 2-11. Adding in the fact that Watt's replacement, Nick Herbig, is also dealing with an injury now shrinks what was a deep outside linebacker room even more.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
TJ Watt rushes around the edge during the 2024 AFC Wild Card game.
Steelers' Watt May Not Play Again In The 2025 Calendar Year
There’s also the long-term angle to consider. A lung injury that required surgery is not something to mess around with, especially for a player who plays such a physical style of football. Even if Watt is able to return this season, questions will remain about how close to 100 percent he can actually be. The Steelers could be weighing whether it’s worth rushing him back versus protecting their franchise cornerstone for the future.
"I would say the best case scenario would be him being ready for the playoffs, and at that point I don't know if you want to rush him back at all," Kaboly added. "He still had surgery on his lung. Who then has to now breathe and run and use that lung to 60 or 70 snaps a game. If you can have him back for the playoffs, that would be the best case scenario in my eyes."
Right now, everything feels up in the air. Is Watt done for the regular season? Could he return for the playoffs? Is this something that’s far more serious than anyone wants to admit?
Until Watt speaks publicly or the team provides more clarity, speculation will continue to swirl. Kaboly’s comments may not be confirmed, but they reflect what many fans are already thinking. Something about this situation doesn’t add up, and the silence might be telling a bigger story than words ever could.
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