Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt has been rushed to hospital after falling ill at team practice and 'experiencing discomfort' in his lungs.

The team confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday and revealed that he would not take further part in practice and that his status for Week 15 was in question. 

They said: 'T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday.

'He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night's game vs. Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time'.

Meanwhile, NFL Insider Adam Schefter later revealed that Watt's injury occurred during treatment at the team facility and that he's remained hospitalized. 

Back in summer, four-time All-Pro Watt signed a three-year, $123million deal with the team - making him the league's highest-paid defender in the process.

The contract also includes $108million guaranteed. Watt is set to earn just over $21million this season in the last year of his previous contract. 

From his 13 appearances in the NFL this season, Watt made a total of 53 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles - proving why he's worth the big money.

The Steelers will face the Miami Dolphins - who have a 6-7 record - in a Monday Night Football clash for their Week 15 game. 

Watt's issue comes just days after his Steelers teammate, receiver DK Metcalf, was hospitalized after experiencing stomach pains on a journey back to Pittsburgh.

Metcalf boarded a flight home with the rest of the Steelers team, after their win over the Baltimore Ravens, only to begin suffering from stomach issues.

Steelers medical staff removed the 27-year-old from the plane and sent him to a hospital in Baltimore 'out of an abundance of caution.' 

After being evaluated, Metcalf later spent the night in a hotel and is set to fly back to Pittsburgh on Monday.

The receiver had enjoyed his most productive afternoon of the season against the Ravens, racking up 148 yards from seven receptions in their 27-22 win.

But he was on the wrong end of a hard hit during the win at M&T Bank Stadium and medical staff sent him for tests in a bid to rule out serious internal injuries, NFL Network reported.

According to ESPN, Metcalf is expected to play against the Dolphins on Monday. 

The Steelers had lost two straight games heading into Sunday's AFC North showdown against Baltimore.

Questions surrounding the future of head coach Mike Tomlin had grown louder over recent weeks but Sunday's win ensures the Steelers remain top of the AFC North heading into week 15. Pittsburgh is 7-6 and primed for another shot at the postseason.

'We knew not to pay attention to any outside noise,' said receiver Metcalf said after the win.

'Coach T is a great leader for us, and he's done nothing but take the bullets for us. Even when we're high and when we're low, he's always come in every day, has been steady and stayed the same, always motivated us to always play our best ball, and that's what he did last week.

'We knew what was at stake - first place in this heated rivalry and the better team came on top.'