T.J. Watt is currently considered out indefinitely, and there is no firm public timetable yet for his return. Reports consistently say he is expected to play again later this season, but only after a period of rest and recovery.
What is known about his timeline
T.J. Watt had surgery on December 12, 2025, to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung that occurred after a dry needling treatment at the Steelers’ facility. He has been released from the hospital and is resting at home, but has already been ruled out for the Steelers’ upcoming Monday night game against the Miami Dolphins.
NFL reporters and team-related updates indicate that Watt is expected to return at some point this season, but the exact number of weeks is still “to be determined.” Some medical opinions cited in coverage suggest he will likely miss at least several weeks and possibly around a month, with any earlier return viewed as risky or unlikely.
Practical takeaway for now
For the immediate future, you should assume T.J. Watt will miss Monday’s game and likely multiple additional games while his lung heals. Until the Steelers or Watt provide a more concrete medical update, his status is best described as out week-to-week with a reasonable chance to return before the end of the regular season, depending on how his recovery progresses.
