Nick

Herbig

Watt, 31, and Highsmith, 28, were the starting EDGE rushers last year. Their 24-year-old backup, LB Nick Herbig, signed a four-year, $100 million extension on Tuesday, prompting questions as to whether the Steelers could consider trading away one of their two veterans. Highsmith was not present at mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, but this was reportedly due to a stomach bug, not discontent over his backup’s big payday. Per Rapoport, Watt’s “enormous” contract, coupled with the amount of money the Steelers have invested elsewhere in their EDGE unit, means that they will probably “have a decision to make” in 2027.

$42 million of this money is guaranteed per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Herbig was entering the final year of his rookie contract and coming off a career-high 7.5 sacks. The extension locks him in next to Alex Highsmith and J.J. Watt, and the Steelers would have three separate edge players on $20 million cap hits in 2027 if they all stayed. This extension sure seems to forecast that either Highsmith or Watt isn’t long for Pittsburgh.

Watt remains out because of a partially collapsed lung. Herbig was listed as doubtful because of a hamstring issue. The Lions should have an easy time picking apart the Steelers today.

Watt didn’t practice all week, but was spotted in the facility today. Perhaps we’ll get more clarity from him before the end of the day on the timeline for his recovery, he obviously wasn’t close to playing after not practicing all week. Fellow EDGE Nick Herbig (hamstring) is doubtful after a limited session on Friday.

It definitely appears to be trending towards Watt missing another week after emergency surgery to repair a partially-collapsed lung last week. He hasn’t practiced since, understandably so. The Steelers will likely be without their best pass rusher against the Lions. Nick Herbig (hamstring) also missed his second-straight practice on Thursday and seems unlikely to go in Week 16.

Herbig was on the questionable tag and should be considered questionable for Week 2 at this point. Also inactive for the Steelers are: DT Derrick Harmon (knee), QB Skylar Thompson (third quarterback/hamstring), G Max Scharping, G Andrus Peat, and DT Esezi Otomewo. The latter three are all healthy scratches.

Howard is “moving in the right direction” as he rehabs the broken bone in his throwing hand. He currently sits in the QB3 spot on the Steelers’ unofficial depth chart. Tomlin reportedly “doesn’t know yet” if LB Nick Herbig (hamstring) will be ready for Week 1. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor adds that LB Alex Highsmith (groin) said he is playing Week 1.

The Steelers enter Week 10 at near full strength for this tough inter-conference matchup against the Commanders. Set to make his third start of the season, Russell Wilson has thrown for 542-3-0 in his first two games and now has Mike Williams in the mix after a deadline trade with the Jets.

Herbig (6’2/40) is another in a rich recent history of NFL-caliber Wisconsin linebackers. He does a great job of attacking the edges of blockers, allowing him to knife through gaps in the run game. Herbig helps to overcome a lack of ideal dimensions by strategically spraying an impressive array of pass rush weapons at opponents. His hop/chop move, shoulder shake and ghost move on the rush allowed Herbig to terrorize Big Ten backfields from the wide-nine alignment. A very cerebral player, instinctive, and always in position to make the play. Herbig’s 4.65s 40-yard dash was the 14th fastest Edge time in this class, so his burst on film may not be enough to overcome his slight frame and 31.25” arms that allow giant tackles to latch on and control him. Still, his 25 bench reps (79th%), 4.35 shuttle (79th%), and 7.75 RAS show enough athleticism for Herbig to thrive as an off ball linebacker, which is where he likely ends up in the NFL.

Herbig (6'2/227) had a solid 2021 season with a combined 61 tackles (40 solo), nine sacks, four passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He’s impressed in several statistical categories, with a 27.3% pass rush win rate that gives him the highest in the Big Ten since 2015 outside of Chase Young (2019), Nick Bosa (2017) and Josh Uche (2019).