DeMarvin Leal Exits Game with Injury, Steelers Decimated at OLB

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebackers DeMarvin Leal suffered a stinger in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. He is doubtful to return.

The Steelers were down to one inside linebacker Jeremiah Moon, as T.J. Watt was getting evaluated in the medical tent and Nick Herbig out due to a hamstring injury. The Steelers were already thin at outside linebacker with Alex Highsmith (groin) ruled out for tonight’s game.

The Steelers moved defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk to outside linebacker to fill in for Watt on a drive in the fourth quarter. Watt returned on the following possession.

The Steelers announced multiple roster moves on Saturday ahead of the Week 5 matchup at home against the Cowboys. Among those moves, the Steelers activated outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon from the injured reserved/designated to return list.

Moon, who was originally an undrafted free agent out of Florida, signed with the Baltimore Ravens his rookie season where he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad before seeing his first extended play time last year. Though his primary contribution was on special teams, he did make appearances on defense throughout the year. He played 40% of defensive snaps against the Steelers in the Week 18 finale recording 4 tackles, 2 solo, and a TFL. He was also active for Baltimore’s divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans.

Highsmith suffered a groin injury late in the second quarter of the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. With Highsmith out, Herbig recorded two sacks, two quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the second half.

Herbig suffered an ankle injury in last Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts but returned in the second half.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.