Fox News Flash top sports headlines for December 9
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on foxnews.1eye.us.
T.J. Watt, the 2021 NFL defensive player of the year, is in the midst of another strong season with 14 sacks through 13 games.
Watt's sack total is second in the NFL, one behind league leader Khalil Mack's 15.
Earlier this week, Watt reported concussion-like symptoms to the Pittsburgh Steelers' medical staff.
The team placed the 29-year-old pass rusher in concussion protocol. Watt told team doctors about his symptoms Friday, one day after the New England Patriots upset the Steelers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON foxnews.1eye.us
T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium Sept. 10, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Watt exited Thursday night’s game in the first quarter after taking an inadvertent knee to the face mask from Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott.
STEELERS' GEORGE PICKENS FACES CRITICISM AFTER FRUSTRATIONS BOIL OVER DURING UPSET LOSS TO PATRIOTS
Watt spent a brief period on the sideline before returning, recording five tackles while playing 51 of Pittsburgh’s 57 defensive snaps. He was held without a sack for the third time in 13 games.
T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Alex Highsmith, who with Watt forms one of the most formidable pass rush tandems in the NFL, missed most of the loss to New England after entering the concussion protocol in the first quarter.
Pittsburgh’s linebacker corps has been ravaged by injuries this season. Inside linebackers Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb are already out for the year, and Elandon Roberts played against the Patriots despite a groin injury.
Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after a first-quarter sack against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium Jan. 9, 2022, in Baltimore. (Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Steelers have limited options at outside linebacker, with rookie Nick Herbig and veteran Markus Golden the only players on the active roster with outside linebacker experience.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Thursday's second straight loss hurt the Steelers' playoff hopes. The Steelers will have a couple extra days of rest before they take on the surging Indianapolis Colts Dec. 16.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.