In Week 14 of the NFL season, a key intra-divisional matchup took place between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Ultimately, the Steelers emerged victorious, 27-22, improving their record to 7-6 and reclaiming the top spot in the AFC North.
Despite the team’s win, one player came away with bad news: T.J. Watt. The NFL announced a punishment for Watt following a play in the Week 14 victory against the Ravens.
NFL Fines T.J. Watt for Late Hit on Baltimore Ravens Star RB Derrick Henry
Before the play that resulted in the fine, the Steelers led the Ravens 17-3 late in the first half. The play the league deemed fine-worthy occurred on a running play by Henry. Watt was fined for jumping on Henry for what the league considered a “late hit.”
As a result, Watt was fined $11,593.
TJ Watt fined $11,593 for a late hit on this play where he jumped on top of the pile in a two-yard Derrick Henry run in the first half of the win against the Ravens. He wasn’t flagged on the play. pic.twitter.com/oBHrY3zeDE
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 13, 2025
What makes the decision notable is that Watt was not flagged for the hit during the game. No infraction was called by the officials, and Henry was not injured on the play. If similar pile-up plays were consistently fined, many players across the league would likely face penalties each week.
In addition, Watt will miss this week’s home game on Monday Night Football against the 6-7 Miami Dolphins. He was ruled out on Friday with a partially collapsed lung suffered during dry needling, which required surgery. Mike Tomlin told reporters that Watt had returned home, but he did not have further details about the incident that caused the lung injury or about who was providing treatment at the team facility.
READ MORE:Â 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Browns Build Around Shedeur Sanders, While 4 Ohio State Stars Go Early
There is no timetable for his return, but there is optimism that he could return later this season, particularly if the Steelers reach the postseason.
This season, Watt ranks sixth in the league in PFSN’s NFL Edge Impact Rankings with an impact score of 87.6 and a letter grade of B+. He has played 734 defensive snaps, the third most in the league. During those snaps, Watt has recorded seven sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 53 total tackles, and 10 tackles for loss. With Miami’s run game ranking among the league’s best this season, his absence will be felt on the defensive line.
