The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without Nick Herbig on Sunday for a pivotal game against the Detroit Lions. Herbig suffered a hamstring injury on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.
This now makes multiple star edge defenders the Steelers will be down on Sunday, as T.J. Watt is still recovering from surgery after suffering a partially collapsed lung. The injuries to Herbig and Watt clear the way for rookie fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer to get his first career start. Sawyer has played limited
snaps so far this season, and has recorded one sack so far this season.
The Steelers will undoubtedly miss Herbig’s impact on Sunday. 2025 has been a breakout season for Herbig, who has recorded 6.5 sacks and has proven to be a difference maker for the Steelers defense. Expect Alex Highsmith to step up and make a huge impact as the Pittsburgh defense tries to slow down a dangerous Detroit offense.
It felt like the Steelers were preparing for the likely absence of Herbig all week. Pittsburgh signed and activated OLB Jeremiah Moon from the Panthers’ practice squad this week to give themselves some insurance at the position.
Herbig was able to log a limited practice on Friday, a sign that he could return to the field for the Steelers sooner rather than later.
