On Tuesday, it was revealed that linebacker Alex Highsmith is anticipated to overlook a number of weeks after struggling a groin harm within the Steelers’ Week 3 win towards the Los Angeles Chargers.
That has created a giant alternative for Pittsburgh’s younger edge rushers Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal.
It begins with Herbig, who crammed in fairly properly for Highsmith final week, registering two sacks, forcing a fumble on considered one of them.
It was a efficiency that gave him much more confidence heading into the Steelers’ Week 4 matchup towards the Indianapolis Colts.
“Yeah, I feel it is a good feeling as a result of you recognize your arduous work’s paying off,” Herbig stated. “You’re employed all 12 months, all offseason for moments like that.”
Nonetheless, his two-sack efficiency got here towards quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s been coping with a high-ankle sprain.
Herbig is aware of this week may show to be far more difficult as Pittsburgh’s protection should discover a technique to comprise dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson, who has already rushed for 117 yards and a landing this season.
“He is a unicorn,” Herbig added. “He is huge. He can throw the ball. He can run. We simply acquired to have the ability to get him down.”
Whereas Herbig is anticipated to get the beginning throughout former NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr T.J. Watt this week, Leal can even have an vital position to play because the rotational edge rusher.
“Most positively,” Leal stated. “Herbig performs particular groups. T.J. cannot go all recreation lengthy, so I can be ready.”
Leal, a third-round decide in 2022, has a various skillset with the power to play inside or exterior on the defensive position.
He solely has one sack in his NFL profession to this point, however he is trying ahead to feeding off Watt and Herbig on Sunday.
“Guys are gonna be actual drained after them two,” Leal continued. “So it is going to be numerous enjoyable for me, for positive.”
If Herbig and Leal can have the success they’re assured they may have this week, the Steelers have a very good likelihood to be 4-0 by the tip of the weekend.
All quotations obtained firsthand until in any other case famous.
