NFL fans react as new details emerge on TJ Watt’s lung injury ahead of Dolphins vs Steelers


TJ Watt has been one of the best running backs in recent NFL memory, having racked up multiple accolades in eight full seasons to date. However, his latest injury may be the most debilitating of his career.

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers he was hospitalized with lung problems, and organization spokesman Burt Lauten confirmed at the time that he had not practiced because of it. When asked about the injury, coach Mike Tomlin said:

“He and I communicated last night; he was comfortable.”

Sources later told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the injury occurred while he was being treated at the team facility the day before.

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Sources: TJ Watt’s lung injury occurred Wednesday during treatment at the team facility. Watt has been hospitalized since then.

And fans began drawing comparisons to the New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylorwho also suffered a ruptured lung in 2020 when he was a Los Angeles Charger:

Van Tyroded TJ Watt someone is getting fired

@AdamSchefter Someone did Tyrod?

@AdamSchefter Is it a Tyrod Taylor with the Chargers situation?

@AdamSchefter My poor boy got shot

The @AdamSchefter Chargers team doctor needs to be in Pittsburg now

@AdamSchefter Is it the former Charges training staff?!

As a result, Watt’s availability for the Steelers’ game against Miami dolphins Monday is in doubt. However, the quarterback Aaron Rodgers he assured that he would return as soon as he could:

“I haven’t talked to TJ, but I would never bet against anyone in the Watt family to be able to deal with something big or small and get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Analyst reveals surprise big beneficiary of TJ Watt’s absence for Steelers-Dolphins game

One might assume that the dolphin that benefits the most if TJ Watt is not in the field is Tua Tagovailoa. The quarterback has eaten his fair share of sacks and other hits, and having to deal with a less monstrous pass rusher will help his passing exploits.

But to Jim Racalto of The Sporting News, it will actually be running back De’Von achan. The first 1,000-yard rusher is expected to play after narrowly avoiding being diagnosed with a broken rib, and without Watt, his and the Dolphins’ propensity to run the perimeter may have become easier against a defense that has allowed more than 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games:

“Watt is not only a pass rusher, but also a dominant edge and run defender, often forcing offenses away from the perimeter. . . . Achane’s explosiveness, combined with Miami’s perimeter running game and strategic commitment to the ground attack, could put Pittsburgh’s defense in a tight spot before adjustments can be made.”

Kickoff for this game is at 8:15 PM ET on ESPN/ABC.