The Pittsburgh Steelers walked into the week expecting a normal buildup to their Monday game against the Miami Dolphins. But things have taken an unexpected turn as the team released a concerning health update about linebacker T.J. Watt. Instead of practicing with his teammates, he’s lying on a hospital bed. What exactly happened to Watt?

“#Steelers OLB T.J. Watt has been hospitalized for medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the team’s practice facility today,” Steelers reporter Alan Saunders wrote on X.

The major update about Watt’s health crisis came from the Steelers’ locker room on Thursday. According to Saunders, Watt’s availability for the Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins is now questionable. ESPN’s Adam Schefter later revealed that Watt sustained the injury during treatment at the facility on Wednesday and has remained hospitalized since then. At present, the pass rusher is being treated at a local hospital for a further lung checkup. 

Additionally, the NFL Player Association has contacted the linebacker and his representative, as reported by another ESPN reporter, Brooke Pryor. On Thursday, the Steelers’ senior director of communications, Burt Lauten, confirmed the news on Watt’s game status. 

“He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night’s game vs. Miami is in question,” he said. “Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”

If T.J. Watt can’t suit up for the next game, linebacker Nick Herbig will fill in for him. In 12 games this season, Herbig has tallied 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and even an interception. The translation? He can deliver when the moment calls for it. Back to the man in question, Watt’s potential absence couldn’t come at a more crucial time. 

The 31-year-old is in the middle of his ninth NFL season and has contributed significantly to the Steelers’ defense. The player began his career with the Steelers in 2017 and has remained devoted to them ever since. This season, he has appeared in 13 games and piled up 53 combined tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Meanwhile, Watt’s injury comes just days after another player faced a health scare.

Tomlin reveals Metcalf’s availability for Week 15

The Steelers have had a rough season, losing player after player to injuries. Before T.J. Watt, the team admitted wide receiver DK Metcalf to a hospital on Sunday night after experiencing severe stomach pains. Many believed he wouldn’t play against the Dolphins until head coach Mike Tomlin later shared a reassuring update. 

“He’s moving in the right direction,” he said on Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s going to jeopardize his availability at all.”

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The only catch was that Metcalf may sit out some early-week practice time. In his statement, Tomlin also commended how promptly the medical staff responded and took care of him. Further, he revealed what‌ had happened to Metcalf that ultimately led to his overnight hospital stay.

“He got hit in the abdomen or stomach in-game,” he said. “I think they gave him some basic over-the-counter remedies in-game like Pepto or something like that, and it got probably progressively worse after the game.”

At last, the Steelers kept Metcalf in Baltimore as a precaution. They didn’t want to fly him out without completely knowing his situation. Now, the six-time Super Bowl champion will step onto its home ground to win the game that carries huge playoff stakes. Currently, the Steelers (7-6) hold a narrow lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. And just one defeat could cost them the top spot.