Steelers Edge Rusher Depth Tested Again as Injuries Pile Up
The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to adversity, but their depth at edge rusher is being tested in a big way after Monday night. Rookie outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who had already battled a hamstring issue earlier this season, tweaked the same injury again - a setback that could sideline one of the team’s most promising young defenders.
Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t offer specifics on the severity just yet, saying only that Herbig will be evaluated further, with an update expected in the coming days. What’s clear, though, is that the Steelers are suddenly thin at a position that’s been central to their defensive identity.
With Herbig sidelined, the Steelers leaned heavily on Alex Highsmith, while rookie Jack Sawyer - the former Ohio State standout - saw his role expand. Sawyer’s snaps could increase even more if the Steelers are without both Herbig and T.J. Watt moving forward.
Watt, of course, is dealing with a partially collapsed lung - an injury suffered during a dry needling treatment last week. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, and while the team hasn’t ruled him out long-term, there’s no clear indication yet of when he’ll be back on the field.
If both Watt and Herbig are unavailable, Sawyer could be in line for his first NFL start. That’s a big ask for a rookie, but the Steelers have shown confidence in his development.
They’d also likely elevate DeMarvin Leal again - the 2022 third-round pick was called up from the practice squad for Monday’s game and could be asked to play a bigger role off the edge. Julius Welschof, another practice squad option, remains in the mix as well.
And it’s not just the defense feeling the sting. On the offensive side, starting guard Isaac Seumalo exited the game with a triceps injury and didn’t return. That forced the Steelers to shuffle the line, with Spencer Anderson stepping in at left guard and Ryan McCollum entering in jumbo packages.
For a team that’s long prided itself on physicality and depth in the trenches, these injuries are a real test. The Steelers have built a reputation on next-man-up toughness - and they’ll need every bit of that grit as they navigate the coming weeks.