The Pittsburgh Steelers are embarking on an important stretch of the season as the team is coming off of a huge win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. The victory even put the Steelers in first place of the AFC North. Pittsburgh will now have a tough game against a hot Miami Dolphins team, and the Black and Gold may be going into the contest without one of their best players in outside linebacker TJ Watt.
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Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Watt is not having his best season when it comes to sack numbers, but his presence on the field makes a big difference for Pittsburgh. Offenses try to avoid him in the run game, while devoting multiple bodies to him when passing. His presence could be missed on Monday Night Football against Miami as he was admitted to a hospital on Wednesday after experiencing some lung problems at the facility.
Update on #Steelers LB T.J. Watt: pic.twitter.com/ngNBnwhBAK
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 11, 2025
The team announced the star defender was going to the hospital and would be questionable for the game against the Dolphins. It appears as though the issue is lung related, but no more information has been given out at this time. Hopefully this is just the team and Watt going through some precautionary measures.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt runs by fans during pregame warmups ahead of a Week 8 matchup with the Green Bay Packers during the 2025 season.
Watt has faced some scrutiny during the 2025 season after making a lot of noise around getting a new extension during the 2025 offseason. His production has not been the same at all, although offenses are still clearly game planning around him. Hopefully he can return to the field quickly and get back into a groove, finishing the 2025 regular season strong.
The former All-Pro edge rusher has made it clear that he only cares about winning at this point in his career. He has already racked up a ton of accolades, and he has surpassed his older brother JJ Watt in career sacks. The only thing he doesn't have is a playoff victory, which is something he will hope to get in 2025. As mentioned, Pittsburgh is currently in first place in their division after a big win over Baltimore, and a win over Miami could help solidify the team's case for the postseason. There also seems to be a ton of parity in the AFC this season, which could mean the organization may capture that elusive playoff win.
Steelers Have Built Out The Outside Linebacker Room Around TJ Watt
Having Watt this late in the season would be nice, but if this medical emergency turns into something super serious, there is no reason that he should feel rushed back onto the field. Health and overall wellbeing is the most important thing, and Watt should not risk anything to get back on the field a couple of weeks sooner than he should. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig can be very serviceable on the edge and wreak havoc in the backfield, while rookie Jack Sawyer has also shown that he can be a game-wrecker at times.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Alex Highsmith celebrates a big play with Nick Herbig and Cam Heyward during a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
Watt has a talented defense around him that should be able to get the job done if he were going to have to miss a game or two, and the most important thing is that he returns to full health -- especially with something as scary as a lung issue.
Do you think Watt will miss Monday's game? Comment below!
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