On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers released information on star veteran T.J. Watt saying that he had experienced lung pain following Wednesday’s practice and was being medically evaluated, missing practice on Thursday. With that news, concern over Watt’s availability for the Week 15 Monday Night Football game at Acrisure Stadium grew. We look at how the Steelers can compensate on defense should Watt miss the game.
Update on #Steelers LB T.J. Watt: pic.twitter.com/ngNBnwhBAK
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 11, 2025
Watt update on Thursday
“I’m a little bit cautious about what I say, because I am not a medical expert,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told the media Thursday. “But to make a long story short, (Watt) was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility [Wednesday}. So, we took him to the docs and they’re going through some procedures. He stayed overnight in the hospital.”
In 13 games, Watt has recorded 7.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception for the Steelers.
“He and I communicated last night, he was comfortable, and that’s all I have really at this point,” Tomlin added.
Depth at EDGE is a benefit
The Steelers are in a relatively beneficial position in personnel in that they have consistent depth at outside linebacker/EDGE this season. With Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer playing regularly this season alongside Watt, the panic button is unlikely to be pushed.
Herbig has taken a leap forward in his production this season. Through 14 weeks, Herbig has recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks to go with 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
Highsmith has been steady throughout the same period. Highsmith has 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 12 quarterback hits.
Sawyer, in his rookie season, has played in 13 games. To go with a single sack in limited snaps – mainly as a backup to Watt – Sawyer has recorded an interception, 3 passes defensed, 2 tackles for a loss, and 4 quarterback hits.
Rotating to remain competitive
The Steelers are most likely to start Highsmith and Herbig should Watt miss Monday night’s game. Sawyer would then be rotated in to remain competitive on the edge.
It is unlikely that the Steelers would elevate Julius Welschof, a former collegiate defensive end who has played outside linebacker for Pittsburgh – mainly during preseason play – from the practice squad unless it were to be out of an abundance of caution.
The challenge
Pittsburgh will go head to head with the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, which gives Watt some extra time for testing, rest, and recovery.
The Dolphins have surged and put together another strong rushing performance in Week 14. On 41 carries, Miami gained 239 yards rushing against the New York Jets. De’Von Achane, their primary back, accounted for 92 yards while tail ack Jaylen Wright had 107.
It was the first time since 2008 that Miami had two rushers post more than 90 yards on the ground, though, and it was against the Jets.
Achane is a little banged up, but the challenge for Pittsburgh will be on defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s shoulders. He will need to game plan a strong run defense plan without selling out and allowing Tua Tagovailoa to assault the Steelers defense through the air.
Miami is averaging a league-leading 192.3 rushing yards per game since Week 10. That is nearly 20 yards per game better than the second-best mark (Chicago, 172.8 rushing yards per game) in the NFL.
The Steelers defensive line will need to play its gaps and improve its leverage up front. Keeping run plays contained between the hash marks will help the outside linebackers. That will be an added challenge due to injuries along the line.
Steelers injury news
Pittsburgh could be on track to get a few players back from injury this week. Receiver D.K. Metcalf (abdomen) looks to have recovered from the illness that had him hospitalized. Linebacker Patrick Queen (hip), safety Kyle Duggar (hand), DL Yahya Black (shoulder), and DT Keeanu Benton (ankle) were all full participants in practice on Thursday.
Others on the list: