Steelers’ T.J. Watt Shatters NFL Sack Record in Primetime Thriller—Here’s What It Means for Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers enter tonight’s AFC North clash against the Cincinnati Bengals with superstar edge rusher T. J. Watt fully cleared after two straight “vet-rest” designations, easing fears that briefly sent Steelers Nation into panic mode earlier in the week. Watt was a full participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough and is set to start, according to the club’s final Week 7 injury report released Thursday afternoon. Why the buzz? The three-time All-Pro continues his torrid 2025 campaign with 9.5 sacks through six games, putting Michael Strahan’s single-season record (22.5) squarely in reach. A prime-time stage against Cincinnati’s rebuilt offensive line offers Watt another opportunity to pad those numbers and strengthen his Defensive Player of the Year case. Coordinator Teryl Austin has leaned on creative pressure packages that free Watt off both edges, and the results have been historic: Pittsburgh ranks second in the NFL in sacks (28) and first in quarterback knockdowns (46). Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has already absorbed 18 sacks this season, and right tackle Jonah Williams missed practice time this week with a groin issue—an inviting matchup for No. 90. Beyond raw production, Watt’s presence has driven takeaways; his strip-sack of Browns QB Deshaun Watson in Week 5 sparked a 14-point swing that flipped the game and the division standings. Coaches highlighted that play during film study, calling it the “defining sequence” of the season’s first half. With Pittsburgh (4-2) holding a narrow half-game lead over Baltimore, tonight’s result could reshape the AFC North pecking order—and Watt’s health looms large. If he logs two sacks, he will pass older brother J. J. Watt for No. 2 on the family’s all-time list (J. J. has 118; T. J. currently sits at 117). The sibling rivalry, combined with the sack-record chase, keeps national spotlight firmly on the youngest Watt. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. Fans expecting fireworks from Pittsburgh’s franchise cornerstone have every reason to tune in—T. J. Watt is rested, ready and writing another chapter in an already historic season.