T.J. Watt won’t be suiting up for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, as the Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher continues to recover from a significant injury that sidelined him late in the regular season.
Back in early December, Watt suffered a collapsed lung during a dry-needling treatment at the Steelers’ facility - an unusual and serious setback for one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. He underwent surgery on December 10 and missed three games while recovering.
While the NFL hasn’t officially stated the reason for Watt’s absence from the Pro Bowl, it’s hard to ignore the timing. Even though he returned to the field in Week 18 against the Ravens and played in Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to Houston, Watt didn’t quite look like himself.
The burst, the relentless motor - they were there, but not at the level we’ve come to expect from the former Defensive Player of the Year. It’s fair to say he was gutting it out, but not at 100%.
Despite the injury, Watt still earned his eighth Pro Bowl nod this season - a testament to just how disruptive he remains when he’s on the field. In just 14 games, he racked up seven sacks, forced three fumbles, and logged 10 tackles for loss. Even in a year where he wasn’t fully healthy down the stretch, Watt’s impact was undeniable.
With Watt stepping aside, the NFL has named Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd as his replacement. For Lloyd, it’s a milestone moment - his first Pro Bowl selection - and a well-earned recognition after a breakout season anchoring the middle of Jacksonville’s defense.
As for Watt, this offseason becomes about rest and recovery. If history is any indication, don’t expect him to stay down for long. But for now, he’ll be watching the Pro Bowl from the sidelines - a rare sight for one of the league’s most consistent game-wreckers.