PITTSBURGH -- Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt is in a local hospital for further lung evaluation after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility Wednesday, and his status for Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins is in question, team spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement.
"He was experiencing some discomfort when he was at the facility yesterday, and so we took him to the docs and they're going through some procedures," coach Mike Tomlin said following Thursday's practice. "He stayed overnight in the hospital. He has a lung situation that's being addressed. I think he has some testing and so forth ahead of him this afternoon, and that's all I know at this juncture.
"... His status for Monday night is really up in the air. I think what transpires this afternoon is going to provide more information for us."
Watt's lung injury occurred during treatment at the team facility Wednesday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Watt has been hospitalized since then, the sources said.
Tomlin said he "got wind of" the incident when Watt was in the team cafeteria at one point Wednesday.
"We know that he's doing better, but it definitely hurts when one of our teammates is in the hospital," said fellow pass rusher Alex Highsmith, who added that he has been in touch with Watt over the past day.
"... It's definitely a scary situation, tough situation. I've just been praying for him. I know he's getting better."
The NFL Players Association is aware of the situation and has been in touch with Watt and his representation.
Watt had six tackles, including one for loss, and a quarterback hit in the win against the Ravens on Sunday where he played 68 (88%) defensive snaps.
The former Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Pro, who signed a three-year, $123 million extension in July, has 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception this season along with 18 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss in 13 games this season.
Watt's status wasn't among the health concerns detailed by coach Mike Tomlin at Tuesday's news conference. Tomlin will provide more updates on Watt at the "appropriate time," Lauten said in his statement.
"I haven't talked to T.J.," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Thursday, "but I would never bet against anybody in the Watt family of being able to deal with something small or large and getting back on the field as quickly as possible."