Steelers Get Boost with Herbig Set to Return, but Watt Remains Out
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into Sunday’s divisional clash against the Cleveland Browns with some positive news on the injury front - and some continued challenges. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who’s been nursing a hamstring injury, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and carries no injury designation for the game. That’s a big step forward for a defense that’s had to dig deep into its depth chart in recent weeks.
Herbig went down with the hamstring issue during the Steelers’ Monday night win over the Miami Dolphins. He was limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, but his full return on Friday signals that he’s ready to go. Head coach Mike Tomlin had expressed optimism earlier in the week, and it looks like that confidence was well-placed.
Last week, Herbig was hoping to suit up against the Detroit Lions, but the team ultimately played it safe, downgrading him from doubtful to out. That decision left the Steelers without two of their top three edge rushers - Herbig and All-Pro T.J. Watt, who remains sidelined with a lung injury and has already been ruled out again for Sunday.
With both Watt and Herbig unavailable, Pittsburgh turned to rookie Jack Sawyer, who made his first NFL start against Detroit. Alongside veteran Alex Highsmith, the duo held their own - and then some. The Lions were limited to just 15 rushing yards, as the Steelers’ front seven delivered one of their most disciplined and physical performances of the season.
Highsmith was all over the field, finishing with six tackles (four solo), two tackles for loss, and a pair of quarterback hits. Sawyer looked like he belonged, racking up five tackles (three solo), a tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and two QB hits of his own. It was a strong showing for the rookie, who stepped in with confidence and energy.
The Steelers’ defense continues to be a patchwork unit, with a growing list of players on injured reserve, including multiple starters and key rotational pieces. But the return of Herbig gives the unit a timely lift as they prepare for a Browns offense that’s been leaning on its ground game and physicality.
Here’s a quick look at where things stand on the injury front heading into the weekend:
- Nick Herbig (hamstring) - Full participant Friday, no designation. He’s in.
- T.J. Watt (lung) - Limited all week, ruled out.
A tough loss, again.
- Calvin Austin III (hamstring) and Brandin Echols (groin) - Both out after not practicing all week.
- Isaac Seumalo (triceps) - Limited all week and listed as questionable.
- James Pierre (calf) - Downgraded to out after missing Friday’s session.
- Jaylen Warren (hip) - Practiced fully the last two days and is good to go.
The Steelers’ injury report also includes several players on season-ending injured reserve, including key contributors like safety Miles Killebrew, defensive tackle Dean Lowry, and rookie cornerback Cory Trice. The attrition has been real, but Pittsburgh continues to find ways to stay competitive.
With Herbig back in the mix and Sawyer gaining valuable reps, the Steelers’ pass rush still has the pieces to make life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. The absence of Watt is significant - there’s no sugarcoating that - but Pittsburgh’s defensive identity is built on resilience, and Sunday’s matchup with Cleveland offers another chance to prove it.