Key Reinforcement Set to Return for Steelers Defense

Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Nick Herbig
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 15, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now.

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have dodged a major injury to their defense in Sunday’s 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders, and could get a significant reinforcement for next week’s AFC North opener against the Baltimore Ravens, as Nick Herbig is set to return from his hamstring injury.

Herbig had been pushing to play against the Commanders, but was not able to get in a full practice last week, so he was held out. The expectation is that Herbig will be a full participant this week and will make his return against the Ravens this Sunday.

Getting Herbig back will be big, because starting right outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is expected to miss the Ravens game and more with an injury suffered late in the win over the Commanders. Highsmith injured his left ankle after rolling it while stepping on the foot of Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. He is set to miss at least the next two weeks, and possibly more.

Herbig, trade deadline acquisition Preston Smith, and Jeremiah Moon will surround T.J. Watt at the outside linebacker position this week against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

RELATED: Steelers Afternoon Drive: Herbig’s Status, Commanders Preview

PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT

Player Injury Date  Prognosis Wed Thu Fri Game
WR Calvin Austin III TBD Nov. 10 TBD
RB Najee Harris Right ankle Nov. 10 TBD
CB Donte Jackson Hamstring Nov. 10 TBD
OLB Alex Highsmith Left ankle Nov. 10 Multiple weeks
OLB Nick Herbig Right hamstring Oct. 6 Day to day

STEELERS INJURED RESERVE

Player Injury Date  Prognosis Roster Status
DT Montravius Adams Knee Oct. 18 Two weeks Injured reserve
CB Anthony Averett TBD Oct. 17 TBD Practice squad IR
WR Roman Wilson Hamstring Oct. 17 Two weeks Injured reserve
DE DeMarvin Leal Neck/stinger Oct. 6 Out for season Injured reserve
RG James Daniels Achilles Sept. 29 Out for season Injured reserve
CB Cory Trice Jr. Hamstring Sept. 22 Week to week Injured reserve
RT Troy Fautanu R knee dislocation Sept. 20 Regular season Injured reserve
P Cameron Johnston Right knee Sept. 8 Out for season Injured reserve
SS Ryan Watts Neck/stinger Aug. 24 Out for season Injured reserve
DL Logan Lee Calf Aug. 20 Week to week Injured reserve
C Nate Herbig Torn rotator cuff Aug. 14 Out for season Injured reserve
OLB David Perales Left MCL tear July 31 Out for season Injured reserve 
ILB Cole Holcomb Left knee surgery Nov. 2, 2023 Week to week PUP/reserve
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