Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt has been crowned the NFL’s regular-season sack leader for the third time in his career, but an injury will keep the Pro Bowl superstar from participating in his first playoff game. team this weekend.
TJ Watt sack leader once again
TJ Watt is no stranger to taking down his opposing quarterback in some of the biggest moments and once again topped the sack leaderboard this year as the regular season comes to a close.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to secure a playoff birth in Week 18, as they overcame a well-rested Baltimore Ravens team to earn a clash against Buffalo in the wild card round this weekend.
Watt had two sacks against Baltimore to finish the season tied for the most sacks in the league, but it wasn’t all good news for the Steelers on the final day of the regular season, as Watt suffered what appeared to be a serious injury. ready to keep him out of the Bills game on Sunday.
From @GMFB: #Steelers star TJ Watt (MCL) is out this week, as we look back at the move that left #Titans coach Mike Vrabel out in Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/07WmVAQNeR
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2024
This isn’t the first time Watt has finished the season atop the sack leaderboard, as the Steelers linebacker has won the award in three of his last four seasons.
Last year, Watt was only able to play in 10 games due to an ongoing injury, and the 2022 campaign was his lowest year for sacks with just 5.5 recorded.
The Pittsburgh superstar shows no signs of slowing down during his seventh year in the league, as he became the fastest player to reach 88 sacks during Week 10.
Watt will share this year’s title with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who also finished the season with 17.0 sacks to his name.
NFL sack leaders 2023
TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers: 17 Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals: 17 Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars: 16.5 Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers: 16 Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings: 15.5 Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns: 14 Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders: 13.5 Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys: 13 Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens: 13 Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears: 12.5 Jonathan Greenard, Houston Texans: 12.5 Denico Autry, Tennessee Titans: 11.5 Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants: 11.5 Bradley Chubb , Miami Dolphins: 11 Haason Reddick, Philadelphia Eagles: 11
Correct figures as of 01/10/24
