Pittsburgh Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt is set to return in a critical AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens after recovering from a partially collapsed lung.
The injury stemmed from a rare complication during dry needling treatment at the team’s facility. Watt experienced severe pain shortly after the procedure, leading to hospitalization and successful surgery on December 10 to repair the lung.
“I got dry needling at the facility. Didn’t feel right shortly afterwards. I was in a significant amount of pain,” Watt recounted, via NFL.com. “Ended up going to the hospital and getting surgery. Recovery was different because it was something I wasn’t used to.”
After missing three games, Watt progressed through recovery and became a full participant in practice this week, earning no injury designation for the game.
“I feel pretty good. Honestly, I don’t know if I could say that a week ago, but I feel really good,” Watt said. “I feel really confident about the week of practice, and I’m excited to play.”
Watt expressed gratitude to the Steelers’ medical staff and Dr. Ryan M. Levy at UPMC for guiding his unique recovery process. He also noted he’ll take a break from dry needling.
Sunday night’s showdown between the Steelers and Ravens will determine the AFC North champion and the likely futures of both Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh.
Watt hasn’t played since the teams’ last meeting in Week 14, a 27-22 Steelers victory.
