The Pittsburgh Steelers were forced into an unexpected and concerning situation this week when star linebacker T.J. Watt was transported to a local hospital after suffering a lung-related medical issue during a routine treatment session at the team’s facility. With the organization offering limited public details, speculation quickly followed-prompting a detailed medical breakdown by former NFL team doctor Dr. David J. Chao.
According to different reports, Watt’s condition emerged during treatment on Wednesday, not during on-field activity or contact. That distinction is important, and Chao was quick to rule out several popular but unlikely theories circulating online.
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Dismissing crazy rumours about Watt’s condition
First, he dismissed the idea that Watt suffered a punctured lung due to a rib-related medical procedure.
It doesn’t make sense that TJ Watt would have a punctured lung from the doctor’s rib block”… “You wouldn’t block a rib midweek-especially with a Monday game coming up.
Chao explained.
Chao also dismissed the notion that an air embolism from an IV line was responsible. While rare complications can occur with IVs, the timeline doesn’t feel right.
If that were the case, it would have resulted in a short hospital stay,” Chao noted. “The fact that he remains hospitalized suggests something more serious and requiring extended testing.
With trauma and procedural complications unlikely, Chao pointed to what he believes is the most plausible explanation: a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot that travels from the lower extremities to the lungs. Such a condition would explain both the hospitalization and the cautious approach being taken by medical staff.
Importantly, Chao emphasized that Watt’s situation is not comparable to the 2020 incident involving Tyrod Taylor, who suffered a punctured lung due to a pain-killing injection. This case, by all indications, is entirely different.
But, Can T.J. Watt play in Week 15?
While the Steelers have not confirmed any diagnosis, one thing seems unavoidable: Watt is unlikely to play this week.
That absence would be terrible for a Pittsburgh team that relies heavily on its All-Pro edge rusher. The timing is terrible. The Steelers are fresh off their most impressive win of the season, that victory over the Baltimore Ravens that got them to first place in the AFC North.
Through 13 games, Watt has been the Steelers’ most consistent player with seven sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception, and 53 total tackles.
According to StatMuse, Pittsburgh is 1-10 all-time in games Watt has missed. Defensively, the Steelers allow 20.3 points per game with him on the field, compared to 26.3 points per game without him.
For now, the Steelers can only wait and hope their defensive cornerstone avoids a long-term setback.
