Steelers' Herbig Embracing Preston Smith

Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the immediate returns from edge rusher Preston Smith have calmed any concerns fans had about the deadline deal.

Smith played well in his debut, helping make a crucial third-down stop and logging a sack in the 28-27 Steelers win.

His impact isn’t just on the field, though. As a respected veteran presence, Smith has been a seamless fit in Western Pennsylvania. Fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig spoke about his new teammate on Tuesday.

“He’s a vet, man, he’s been doing it for a long time,” Herbig said, via Aaron Becker. “I think he’s got like 70 career sacks. He’s done it at the highest level, he’s been in the league for 10 years, he’s seen it all. Just being able to have another guy like that that you can learn from, whether it’s mental stuff or physical things. It’s awesome to be able to have a guy like that around.”

That praise is particularly meaningful coming from Herbig. The young edge rusher has been dealing with an injury, and bringing Smith in means Herbig could stand to lose playing time. Instead, it’s clear Pittsburgh’s culture precedes any individual concerns, and both seem better off with Smith in black and gold.

For now, Smith won’t have a massive impact on Herbig’s playing time. Edge rusher Alex Highsmith’s ankle injury will keep him out a few weeks, leaving the Steelers with plenty of opportunities opposite T.J. Watt.

While it isn’t clear how playing time will be distributed down the stretch, Smith has already made good on the seventh-round pick it took to acquire him. If he can help the team win while furthering Herbig’s development, his legacy in Pittsburgh would far exceed the box score.

Smith will have another chance to make his mark on Sunday against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.