Steelers' T.J. Watt hospitalized with lung issue
Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt is in a local hospital for evaluation after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday, the team announced.
In a statement on Thursday, team spokesperson Burt Lauten said Watt was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation of his lung. His status for Monday night's game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrsure Stadium is "in question," according to the statement. Watt did not practice on Thursday.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin provided an update on Watt after Thursday's practice.
"He was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday," Tomlin said. "And so we took him to the docs, and they're going through some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital. He has a lung situation that's being addressed. I think he has some testing and so forth ahead of him this afternoon, and that's all I know at this juncture."
The coach added on Thursday that he didn't know what promoted Watt's discomfort or when it occurred. Tomlin said he talked to Watt on Wednesday, and he "was comfortable, and that's all I have really at this point."
Citing sources, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Watt's lung injury happened during treatment at the team's facility on Wednesday, and he's been hospitalized since then. The Steelers didn't release any more details on Thursday.
This season, Watt has 20 solo tackles, 7 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception. His presence is key for the Steelers' defense, which struggles when Watt misses time due to injury.