Steelers' Defensive Leader T.J. Watt Forced to Withdraw from Pro Bowl Due to Injury
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will proceed without one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players. T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive cornerstone, has been ruled out of the annual all-star event due to an injury that occurred just days before the festivities were set to begin in Orlando.
Late Roster Change Sends Jaguars Linebacker Devin Lloyd to Pro Bowl
On January 22, 2026, Jacksonville radio station 1010 XL broke the news on social media platform X that Devin Lloyd had been named as Watt's replacement for the Pro Bowl Games. The NFL later confirmed this roster adjustment, officially citing Watt's medical condition as the reason for his withdrawal.
While the Steelers organization has not released specific details about Watt's injury, team sources confirmed that the defensive star is not medically cleared to participate in any football-related activities. This development forced the league to make an eleventh-hour change to the Pro Bowl roster.
Watt's Productive Season Cut Short Despite Pro Bowl Recognition
Watt had earned his ninth Pro Bowl selection following another impressive campaign that solidified his status as one of football's premier edge rushers. During the 2025 regular season, the 30-year-old defender recorded:
- 7 sacks
- 23 solo tackles
- 3 forced fumbles
- 2 interceptions
These statistics once again positioned Watt among the league's most impactful defensive players, making his absence from the Pro Bowl particularly disappointing for Steelers fans who had anticipated seeing their defensive leader represent the franchise.
Devin Lloyd's Breakthrough Season Rewarded with Pro Bowl Nod
For Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd, the Pro Bowl invitation represents the culmination of his best professional season since entering the NFL. The former first-round draft pick started 15 games for Jacksonville in 2025 and compiled impressive numbers:
- 81 total tackles
- 6 tackles for loss
- 1 fumble recovery
- Multiple game-changing plays in coverage
Lloyd's signature moment came during Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he returned a Patrick Mahomes interception 99 yards for a touchdown in the Jaguars' 31-28 victory. This play showcased the linebacker's game-changing ability and helped establish his reputation as a defensive playmaker.
Recognition and Praise for Lloyd's Development
The Associated Press recognized Lloyd's outstanding season by naming him second-team All-Pro. He became just the second linebacker in the past twenty years to record at least 10 quarterback hits and five interceptions in a single season.
Jaguars general manager James Gladstone praised Lloyd's development during the team's end-of-season press conference on January 8, 2026. "What he meant to our end result was certainly notable," Gladstone remarked. "The way he worked every week, the way he connected with the staff, it showed up on Sundays."
Broader Implications for Both Franchises
Lloyd now joins long snapper Ross Matiscik as the second Jaguars player selected for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games, providing recognition for Jacksonville's defensive improvements. For Pittsburgh, Watt's injury adds to what has become a challenging offseason for the storied franchise.
Earlier in 2025, Watt signed a substantial three-year, $123 million contract extension with the Steelers. During a July 2025 appearance on the "Steelers Now" podcast, Watt emphasized his commitment to head coach Mike Tomlin, stating: "I don't want to play for anyone other than Mike T."
With Watt sidelined and uncertainty surrounding the Steelers' future direction, the Pro Bowl spotlight now shifts completely to Devin Lloyd. His selection represents more than simply filling a vacancy—it confirms his arrival as one of the AFC's most complete and impactful linebackers, ready to showcase his talents on football's biggest all-star stage.
