TJ Watt Just Told Steelers Fans The Truth About His Lung Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a scare when superstar pass rusher TJ Watt suffered a collapsed lung during the season, an injury that immediately raised alarms across the organization and among fans. As more details emerged, it became clear that the injury occurred during a routine dry needling treatment, a procedure designed to relieve tight muscles but one that carries some inherent risks. The circumstances around the incident were unclear at first. Many fans across the Steelers world, as well as the broader NFL, were left confused and stunned by the accident involving the $41 million player at such a critical point in the season.

While speculation swirled, the bigger concern remained Watt’s own perspective on the accident and how it might affect his relationship with the team. The Steelers face a crucial Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, a win-or-go-home contest for the AFC North crown. His status for the game was uncertain, leaving fans wondering whether missing four straight games would cost the team in its playoff push. 

However, it has been revealed that Watt is expected to try and play in the critical game. Steeler Nation has been super eager to hear from Watt directly. On Friday, Steelers fans got just that. Watt weighed in on the incident while speaking to Mark Kaboly and other Steelers media members, describing it as a complete fluke and sharing the full context of what happened. 

"Oh yeah, I mean I think a lot of the guys not only in this facility, but across a lot of professional sports use dry needling a lot," Watt said while speaking with several members of the Pittsburgh media on Friday. "It just so happened to be a fluke thing apparently."

According to Watt, there was no lingering frustration toward the Steelers or anyone involved, and he remains focused on returning to the field. His comments bring clarity to a confusing situation while providing a boost of optimism for a team that needs its leader at full strength as it prepares for one of the most important games of the season.

Watt was asked if he would continue with this type of treatment. With a big smile on his face, he made it clear he won’t be doing any dry needling for the foreseeable future. He added that while the procedure can help many players, he plans to focus on safer alternatives to keep his body in peak condition.

"I am gonna take a break for now," Watt said. "For sure."

The Ravens were dead in the water just a few weeks ago, and the Steelers were widely viewed as a lock to win the AFC North. That quickly changed when Baltimore beat the Green Bay Packers, and the Steelers followed that up with a 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. 

Steelers Have Missed TJ Watt, But Get Him Back At An Ideal Time

Maybe if Watt had been able to play in that game, the result would have been different. Watt has missed three straight games, but is expected to return for the showdown against the Ravens, who will also get their star quarterback Lamar Jackson back after missing time.

With both of the biggest stars likely on the field, fans can expect a high-stakes, thrilling matchup and a brilliant regular season finale for 2025. Still, Steelers fans aren’t happy to be in this spot, knowing the team had multiple chances to lock up the division and punch its playoff ticket earlier. 

Now, it all comes down to one game, and getting Watt back could be the difference the Steelers need to secure the win and keep their season alive.

Will the Steelers beat the Ravens in Week 18 to make the playoffs? Why or why not?  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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