Defensive player TJ Watt successfully underwent surgery on his left lung after suffering a pneumothorax during a dry needling session Wednesday at the Steelers practice facility.
The news was reported by his brother JJ Watt on social networks.
The duration of Watt’s convalescence remains unknown, according to his brother, while he should be released from the hospital today.
“TJ and his family are very grateful for the support and messages of encouragement they have received,” JJ Watt wrote.
Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after receiving treatment during the team’s off day. He remained there to undergo tests and subsequent surgery.
The NFL Players Association is well aware of the matter and has remained in contact with its agents throughout the process.
Watt will not be able to play in Pittsburgh’s game Monday against the Miami Dolphins. The Steelers will have to get by using Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer to put pressure on.
“I think TJ has done a great job as a leader, not only in the locker room, but for the entire organization,” Herbig said. “I believe that his work will have a positive impact on many and I am not worried, because we have a lot of good guys and good leaders who will be able to compensate for his loss. I believe he helped several players, not just me, to allow them to play a bigger role. »
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling treatment is used to “reduce pain and movement problems by focusing on myofascial trigger points.” » During treatment, needles are inserted near these points to stimulate the muscles, causing contractions that help ease pain and improve movement.
In 2020, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, then with the Chargers, suffered a collapsed lung when a doctor tried to give him pain medication for fractured ribs. Taylor was medically cleared to return to play one month after the puncture.
Watt had six tackles, including one for a loss of yardage, and a tackle on the quarterback, during his team’s victory last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. He took part in 68% of defensive plays. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and four-time Pro Bowl selection, who signed a three-year, $123 million deal in July, had seven sacks, forced three fumbles and collected an interception this season, along with 18 quarterback tackles and 10 tackles for loss.
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