Steelers Rule Out T.J. Watt, Two Others For Week 16 Game Vs. Lions

The Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed that T.J. Watt will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Watt will sit out his second straight game after sustaining a partially collapsed lung while receiving treatment. The four-time All-Pro returned to the team facility after undergoing surgery, but he did not practice all week.

He’s not the only key player out of action on Sunday. The Steelers ruled out guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) and cornerback James Pierre (calf). Linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) is also doubtful.

Watt was hospitalized last week to repair his lung after dry needling treatment. J.J. Watt said Wednesday on “The Pat McAfee Show” that his younger brother is “working through it” and treating his recovery day by day.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin declined to speak on his star’s player behalf Friday afternoon, per Amanda Godsey of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat.

“I got no update,” Tomlin said. “I’m gonna let him talk. You guys see he’s back in the building. I’m just a little bit hesitant to talk about medical. It’s a little bit different than injury, and so my preference is to allow him to speak for himself.”

Pittsburgh must combat a high-octane Lions offense without Watt, who has tallied seven sacks and 26 pressures in 13 games this season. The Steelers could exude more caution in hopes of having the 31-year-old back in time for a Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens that could swing the AFC North.

Seumalo will miss his second game of the season after missing practice all week. The guard has started 43 games for the Steelers since arriving from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

Pierre has assumed a larger role in Pittsburgh’s secondary after the team fazed out and released Darius Slay. The 29-year-old has made big plays in his four recent starts, returning a fumble for a touchdown in a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and picking off Lamar Jackson in last Sunday’s 27-22 victory over Baltimore.

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