T.J. Watt’s collapsed lung caused by dry needling, according to brother

Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday with what the team described as a lung issue. Watt’s brother J.J. Watt has provided more details on what happened, and noted that his return to the playing field is still up in the air.

Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility, according to his future Hall of Fame inductee brother. Watt is set to be released from the hospital on Friday, but his return is still to be determined as the Steelers prepare to host the Miami Dolphins on Monday night football.

Dry needling uses thin needles inserted into or around pain points to stimulate muscles, which causes them to contract. It’s used to relieve pain, reduce muscle tightness, and increase blood flow. It’s possible that the Steelers’ treatment staff went a little too deep and caused the injury, though the exact details haven’t been revealed yet.

In 2020, NFL QB Tyrod Taylor suffered a collapsed lung after getting a pain killer injection for cracked ribs. Taylor eventually sued the doctor for medical malpractice.

The Steelers enter the game against the Dolphins fighting for their playoff lives at 7-6 on the year. Watt probably won’t be on the field, but we don’t know for sure yet. We’ll update this story as it develops.