Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt will miss the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games due to injury, marking the first time in his career he won't participate after being selected in every season since his rookie year. The announcement confirmed that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy will take his place. Watt, a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award, had an impressive season, recording 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and a league-high six forced fumbles among other stats. Despite his injuries at the season's end, both ankle and thumb are not considered serious, allowing him to focus on rehabilitation during the offseason.

Watt's continuous dominance has earned him seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections, along with six All-Pro selections, showcasing his impact in the league. He was joined in the Pro Bowl roster by teammates Chris Boswell, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, while special teams player Mile Killebrew was named an alternative. While Watt takes time to recover, his extraordinary performance ensures he remains a key figure in Steelers' plans for the upcoming season.

Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys has been awarded PFF's Special Teams Player of the Year for 2024, showcasing his remarkable talent as a kicker. His impressive 95.8 field-goal grade is not only the best this season but also sets a new all-time record since PFF began tracking in 2013.

This season, Aubrey distinguished himself with his extraordinary capability to convert long-range field goals, being the only kicker to successfully make multiple kicks over 60 yards. His standout performance included a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens, coinciding with a rare miss by renowned kicker Justin Tucker.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a critical moment as they prepare for an upcoming wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record, they enter the playoffs on a disappointing four-game losing streak. Coach Mike Tomlin, who has faced scrutiny due to the team's recent playoff failures, emphasizes that the past losses are not the current players' burdens to bear. However, with six Super Bowl titles under their belt, the franchise has not secured a playoff victory since 2016, which weighs heavily on both the team and its fans.

Owner Art Rooney II expressed urgency for the team to end the playoff drought in his end-of-season comments. The Steelers have shown potential with a young roster, including talents like Najee Harris and George Pickens, but recent performances have raised concerns. The team's defensive prowess has diminished, and the offense struggled significantly during the last stretch of the season. As they approach the playoffs, the Steelers must confront their historical challenges while striving for a resurgence.

Lamar Jackson secured a prominent position in the 2024 NFL All-Pro Team, edging out Josh Allen at quarterback. Jackson's impressive performance garnered him 30 first-place votes, making it his second consecutive selection and third overall, a feat only surpassed by legends like Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers. Unanimous selections included Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, with Jefferson expressing gratitude for the recognition.

Joining Jackson from the Baltimore Ravens, who finished 12-5, were linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and fullback Patrick Ricard. The NFC-leading Detroit Lions had four representatives, showcasing their strength this season.

Three Pittsburgh Steelers players have received All-Pro honors for the current NFL season, with Cameron Heyward and Chris Boswell earning spots on the First-Team and T.J. Watt making the Second-Team. Watt's selection marks his sixth All-Pro recognition, having previously achieved First-Team status four times and Second-Team once. He excelled this season with 11.5 sacks, ranking eighth in the league, and led the NFL with six forced fumbles.

Heyward's impressive resume now includes four First-Team selections, with his last being in 2021, as he recorded eight sacks and 71 tackles throughout the season. Boswell made history as the first Steeler to top the NFL in scoring, amassing 158 points and completing 41 field goals, marking his inaugural All-Pro achievement.