Nick Herbig is proving to the NFL what Steelers fans have known all along amid the absence of Alex Highsmith

"You know, I think he's still writing that, to be quite honest with you," said Coach Tomlin when asked about Herbig's growth. "He's only played in two games, but certainly he has the potential for splash. That has been a component of his game since day zero. He's good in passing circumstances. He has a feel for the game. He's ball aware. And so I don't believe any of us are surprised by his ability to produce sack fumbles or come up with the football. He's done that since day zero that he got here."

Herbig had his supporters during the NFL Draft process back in 2023, but many were concerned about what his role would be. Inside backer or EDGE defender? Was he fast enough to play coverage? Or was he big enough to play along the defensive line? It's why he was available on day three of the draft.

"You know, I think that's probably why we got him in round four. He doesn't necessarily look like an outside linebacker, but he has an outside linebacker's game and he plays like one," added Tomlin. And I think that's why you're able to get people sometimes a little bit later in the draft and maybe their tape would indicate, because they don't fit the quote unquote cookie cutter component of it. We've never had any reservations about his game, or what he's capable of. His stature is his stature."

The Steelers are going to have a decsion to make very soon when it comes to Herbig and Highsmith. Highsmith has been very good when on the field, but between groin and ankle injuries, he's missed some starts the last couple of years, and his cap number is only going up in 2026 and 2027.

A perfect world see's Highsmith return to health and Herbig sign an extension, but Pittsburgh will certainly have choices to make.