Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers News
Steelers Backup OLBs Herbig, Smith Ready to Make an Impact vs. Ravens
Steelers linebackers Nick Herbig and Preston Smith hope to make up for the loss of Alex Highsmith and then some.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their Week 11 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens without linebacker Alex Highsmith, who is expected to be sidelined for two or three weeks after suffering an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders. That has paved the way for backup linebackers Nick Herbig and Preston Smith to have larger roles.
How many reps each player will get remains up in the air, however. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin was not willing to commit to anything.
“I have no idea,” he said. “Herbig’s not gotten himself fully in the boat yet, so I’d be speculating. … All of that will be determined after he gets really solid.”
RELATED: Alex Highsmith Out, ROLB Starter Up in the Air for Steelers vs. Ravens
Herbig is working his way back from a hamstring injury, but he logged his first full practice on Wednesday and hopes to get a helmet on Sunday. It would be surprising if that weren’t the case, given his determination to get back on the field.
“It was tough, man. I think that’s the first time in my career I really missed some real time,” Herbig said. “That takes a toll on you, not just physically but mentally. Just fighting every day, waking up, getting after it, attacking it with a positive attitude.”
Herbig was playing very well before suffering his injury, tallying 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery through five games.
The Steelers are hoping he can pick up right where he left off alongside the recently acquired Smith, who feels much more acclimated to the defense this week.
“I feel real comfortable in the system. Not gonna lie to you, last week I was a little nervous,” Smith said. “After the first play and I ran out there and I was doing what I had to do, I got back in the flow of playing football.”
Smith knows a little bit about being a part of a historic rivalry. During his six years (2019-24) with the Green Bay Packers, he played a large part in their rivalry with the Chicago Bears, recording 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
He’s hoping to make a similar impact for the Steelers this week.
“Man, I’m just trying to do my part,” Smith said. “Hopefully I go out there and make some exciting, historical plays that help us win a game so when they turn on the Steelers vs. the Ravens it’s some clips of me being played with all the legendary players from the Steelers.”
The Ravens are entering this week with the top ranked offense in the league, so any splash plays the Steelers can get from Herbig or Smith will help their efforts of remaining in first place in the AFC North.
Herbig knows it won’t be easy, but the Steelers have had they way with the Ravens, winning seven of their last eight meetings.
“You have to try and approach it like every other game, but it’s not. It’s different. You’re lying if you don’t think so,” he said. “On paper, they’ve got the best offense in the league right now. They’ve got stellar players over there, so we’ve just got to try and bring our ‘A’ game.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
