The Steelers announced Thursday that Watt was in a Pittsburgh-area hospital to be evaluated for a lung after experiencing discomfort at the facility on Wednesday.
Watt did not participate in Thursday’s practice, the Steelers’ first practice of Week 15, and his status for their game Monday night against the Miami Dolphins is “up in the air,” according to coach Mike Tomlin.
“I’m a little guarded about what I say, because I’m not a medical expert,” Tomlin said Thursday, via the team’s website. “But to make a long story short, he was feeling uncomfortable while he was at the facility yesterday. So we took him to the docs (doctors) and they’re going through some procedures … He’s got a lung condition that’s being addressed. I think he’s got some tests and so forth coming up at lunch today, and that’s all I know at
“He and I communicated last night, he was comfortable and that’s all I really have at this point.”
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported Friday morning that Watt is unlikely to play against the Dolphins.
Watt, a ninth-year pro, has played in all 13 of Pittsburgh’s games this season, totaling 53 tackles, seven sacks and an interception. Last Sunday, Watt recorded six tackles and a QB hit and played 68 of 77 defensive snaps in the Steelers’ 27-22 win over Baltimore.
The four-time first-team All-Pro recently dealt with a toe injury but hasn’t missed any significant time this season.
Tomlin told reporters that he did not know what caused Watts’ recent lung discomfort and that he was not aware of anything that would have led to the shortstop being listed on the injury report for this week.
Pittsburgh (7-6) is in the midst of a tight race for the AFC North title. The Steelers host Miami (6-7) on Monday night at 8:15 PM ET.