T.J. Watt will have to settle for a tie for the single-season NFL sack record with Michael Strahan.
The Steelers' appeal to Elias Sports Bureau of a play in the first quarter of last week's 16-13 overtime victory over the Ravens was denied late Wednesday afternoon and the team was informed Watt will not be awarded another sack in that game that would have given him 23.5 for the season.
The play will still result in a forced fumble for Watt against Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, but will remain as an aborted play as initially ruled by the stats crew at M&T Bank Stadium.
Watt still had 22.5 sacks this season in just 15 games, giving him a tie with Strahan's record of 22.5 set in 2001. Strahan had his 22.5 sacks in 16 games.
He entered the game against the Ravens needing 1.5 sacks to break the league record. He secured the record-tying sack in the second quarter.
Watt, a leading candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, led the league in sacks for the second consecutive season.
Watt and the Steelers will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card game Sunday.
