PITTSBURGH — Steelers star go rusher T.J. Watt had profitable surgical procedure Thursday to restore {a partially} collapsed lung that he sustained after a dry needling session on the workforce observe facility Wednesday, his brother J.J. Watt mentioned on social media.
“He and his household are very appreciative of everybody’s variety phrases and properly needs,” J.J. Watt wrote.
Coach Mike Tomlin advised reporters that T.J. Watt had returned dwelling and was resting comfortably. Watt is not going to play in Monday night time’s recreation in opposition to the Miami Dolphins, Tomlin mentioned.
Tomlin additionally mentioned he did not have any further particulars concerning the incident that prompted the lung damage or who was performing the therapy on the workforce facility.
Watt was hospitalized Wednesday after receiving therapy on the facility on the Steelers’ time without work, and he remained within the hospital Thursday for imaging and exams earlier than the surgical procedure.
The NFL Gamers Affiliation is conscious of the state of affairs and has been in contact with Watt and his illustration.
“Our most important fast precedence is supporting T.J.’s well being and full restoration,” an NFLPA spokesperson mentioned.
With Watt out, the Steelers will depend on a rotation of go rushers in Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer.
“I believe T.J.’s accomplished an important job of being a frontrunner, not simply within the room however in the entire constructing, the group,” Herbig mentioned. “I believe he rubs off on lots of people in the best method, and I am not apprehensive in any respect as a result of we now have nice guys, nice leaders that’ll choose up that slack. I believe that he is ready not simply myself however a bunch of the youthful guys in that sense to have the ability to tackle that bigger function, not simply as a participant however as a frontrunner and bringing that vitality.”
Based on the Cleveland Clinic, dry needling is a therapy used for “ache and motion points related to myofascial set off factors.” To carry out the therapy, suppliers sometimes insert skinny needles “into or close to your set off factors to stimulate muscle groups, which causes them to contract or twitch and helps to alleviate ache and enhance vary of movement.”
Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen mentioned he prefers to make the most of acupuncture.
“Sort of two various things,” Queen mentioned of the practices. “One [acupuncture], you bought to go to high school for an extended time period. There’s a complete far more scientific factor that goes into it. I do not do the entire dry needle factor. I am truly terrified of dry needling, so I type of keep away from that stuff.
“It’s unlucky. You would in all probability get dry needle a thousand occasions and by no means have something occur, and it simply in all probability a half an inch within the fallacious path.”
Queen mentioned the additional training required to manage acupuncture is why he makes use of it.
“I simply really feel, me personally, extra snug with anyone has a bit bit extra expertise,” Queen mentioned. “Not saying something fallacious about anyone that did it or no matter, however that is simply me personally.”
Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison used dry needling late to lengthen his profession. He advised ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler in 2015 that it was a standard observe amongst Steelers gamers.
“It is a extra invasive type of needling,” Harrison, then 37, advised Fowler. “It may be recovery-based and assist to heal any accidents which can be nagging. … It is painful as hell. … It makes you sore the subsequent day, however the day after you are feeling effective. I am not the one individual that does it. Three to 5 folks [in here] do it.”
In 2020, then-Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor suffered a punctured lung when a health care provider tried to manage ache treatment pregame for fractured ribs. Taylor was medically cleared to return a month after the puncture.
Watt had six tackles, together with one for loss, and a quarterback hit within the win in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, when he performed 68 defensive snaps (88%). The four-time All-Professional and former Defensive Participant of the 12 months, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension in July, has 7 sacks, 3 compelled fumbles and 1 interception this season together with 18 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss in 13 video games.
