The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions without two key pieces of their defensive arsenal - and the timing couldn’t be more critical.
Linebacker Nick Herbig has officially been ruled out with a hamstring injury, the team announced Saturday. Herbig was hurt during Monday night’s win over the Miami Dolphins and didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday. He managed to return in a limited role on Friday, but it wasn’t enough to get the green light for game day.
That’s not the only blow to the Steelers’ defense. T.J.
Watt, the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s pass rush, is also sidelined. Watt underwent surgery last week to repair a partially collapsed lung - an injury that occurred during a dry needling treatment session at the team facility.
He was ruled out earlier in the week, and his absence looms large.
With both Herbig and Watt unavailable, the Steelers are turning to some fresh faces to carry the load on the edge. Jack Sawyer will make his first career NFL start, lining up opposite Alex Highsmith. It’s a big moment for the rookie, who’s stepping into the spotlight during a crucial stretch of the season.
“I’m ready,” Sawyer said earlier this week. “I’m going day by day trying to get better and get myself ready for anything, just trying to grow as a player, gain knowledge and be ready for whatever opportunity lies in front of me.
This is what you live for. This is what you play the game for.”
It’s a trial by fire for Sawyer, but that’s the nature of football in December - especially when you’re in the thick of a playoff push. The Steelers are also leaning on recently re-acquired linebacker Jeremiah Moon and practice squad elevation DeMarvin Leal to provide depth on the outside. Neither has logged major reps this season, but both will be asked to contribute in what could be a high-stakes, high-tempo game against a Lions offense that’s been tough to contain.
On a more positive note for special teams, long snapper Christian Kuntz was upgraded from questionable to fully healthy, clearing him to play Sunday. It’s a small win, but in a week where the injury report has been mostly bad news, the Steelers will take it.
This game will test Pittsburgh’s depth and resilience. With Watt and Herbig out, the pressure shifts to Highsmith, Sawyer, and the rest of the front seven to generate pressure and keep Detroit’s offense in check. It’s a tall order - but the kind of challenge that defines teams in December.