The Pittsburgh Steelers face a major test Monday night without their best defensive player. TJ Watt will watch from home after a routine treatment turned into a hospital stay and surgery. His teammate Cam Heyward recently opened up about how the star linebacker is handling the forced absence.
Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung Wednesday after a dry needling session at the team facility went wrong. He felt chest pain right away and was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. Doctors found the lung issue and performed surgery Thursday to stabilize and repair it.
Cam Heyward Shares TJ Watt’s Mindset on Forced Absence
Heyward did not hold back when discussing his teammate’s current state of mind, but also said they cannot take risks on health at any cost.
“He’s a little bummed he can’t play,” Heyward said during a recent interview. “But health comes first.”
The 31-year-old has been a force all season, logging seven sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception across 13 games. He played 68 plays from scrimmage in Pittsburgh’s Week 14 win over Baltimore Ravens just days before the injury. Now he’s sidelined indefinitely with no possible return date.
Heyward stressed in his absence that the team must rally together during this time. “It should be 52 other guys stepping up in this moment for him,” Heyward added. “He’d be kicking himself if he could play. But it’s up to us to hold down for him.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Friday that Watt won’t suit up against Miami Dolphins. He avoided giving specifics on when the linebacker might return.
“I hadn’t looked beyond Monday night. I’m kind of one week at a time,” Tomlin said. “I know he’s not participating this week.”
Mike Tomlin on if he has an idea how much time T.J. Watt might miss with his lung issue: “I do not. I hadn’t looked beyond Monday night. I’m kind of one week at a time. I know he’s not participating this week.” #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 12, 2025
The Steelers currently lead the AFC North after bouncing back with that Ravens victory. They’d lost two straight before righting the ship. Now they face Miami riding a four-game win streak — without their defensive anchor.
Team Prepares for Life Without Their Defensive Star
Heyward knows replacing Watt is impossible as the linebacker brings quality leadership and disruption that few defenders can do perfectly. However, the veteran believes this creates opportunities for others to prove themselves.
Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer will see increased responsibilities. Heyward emphasized that “We’re not going to ask them to be TJ Watt. That’s one thing we’re not going to do. But, we’re going to ask them to just play sound football,” Heyward said.
Reports suggest Watt could return as soon as Week 16 against Detroit Lions. Playing less than two weeks after surgery would be unusual, but doctors say lung tissue in healthy athletes often heals in about seven to ten days.
The Steelers enter Monday night determined to maintain their division lead. They are historically poor without Watt — just 1-11 all-time when he doesn’t play. So, Watt’s absence this time will test the team’s depth against Dolphins squad who are riding a four-game winning streak.
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