The Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business on Monday Night Football, beating the Miami Dolphins 28–15 and giving their playoff hopes a much-needed boost. But even with the win and the celebrations that followed, there was one noticeable absence Mike Tomlin and his team couldn’t ignore. It was linebacker TJ Watt, who was sidelined for the first time this season.

Watt missed Week 15 after undergoing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung. Watt suffered the injury during a dry needling treatment at the Steelers’ team facility. And while the Steelers pushed forward without him, the bigger question is, when, or if, he’ll be back this season.

When asked for an update, Tomlin didn’t try to dress it up. He admitted he wasn’t even sure whether Watt was at the team facility. The HC added that the defensive star has been “in a dark room in the back” since the MNF against the Dolphins.

What remains unclear, at least publicly, is how the situation unfolded initially. The Steelers have offered limited details, with team spokesperson Burt Lauten stating on Thursday that Watt went to the hospital for further evaluation after experiencing “discomfort” at the practice facility on Wednesday. Beyond that, the organization has largely stayed quiet. Tomlin, in particular, has avoided getting into specifics. When asked directly whether Watt’s hospitalization stemmed from a dry needling session, the head coach didn’t share much either.

“I don’t have a lot of information, so I’m certainly not going to dispute something that’s said by someone close to him,” the head coach said. “I hadn’t had discussions along those lines.”

That clarity eventually came from someone else. Watt’s older brother and NFL legend JJ Watt later confirmed that the injury did, in fact, occur during a dry needling treatment at the facility.

“Yesterday, TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered on Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility,” JJ shared on social media. “Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well, and he is being released from the hospital today. He and his family are very appreciative of everyone’s kind words and well wishes.”

Looking at it, one thing seems clear: The organization is clearly avoiding giving the specifics of Watt’s injury. For now, Watt’s focus shifts entirely to recovery. The timeline remains uncertain. But Tomlin has made it clear he expects his star edge rusher back as soon as possible as the Steelers continue their push toward locking up a playoff spot.

TJ Watt’s return in Week 16 is still up in the air

Historically, the Steelers have struggled mightily without TJ Watt in the lineup. Heading into Monday Night Football against the Dolphins, Pittsburgh was just 1–11 in games Watt didn’t start. That record improved to 2–11 with the win, along with the Steelers’ playoff chances.

And while there’s no denying Tomlin missed his star pass rusher, the defense still found a way, piling up four sacks on Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Which naturally raises the next question: will the Steelers head into next week’s matchup against the Detroit Lions and Jared Goff without Watt again, or will their defensive cornerstone return to the field?

When asked about it, Tomlin didn’t offer a firm answer. But he did offer a timeline. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Tomlin said he expects to know later in the week about Watt’s potential availability for the Lions game. Tomlin also shared a brief glimpse into his pregame conversation with Watt, noting:

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“I am sure he is excited to get back around his teammates sooner rather than later.”

Following the win over Miami, the Steelers now sit at 8–6 and are heavy favorites to win the division. With Detroit up next, having their star edge rusher back on the field could be the final piece the Steelers will need to put a stamp on their playoff berth.