Steelers Receive Good News On Significant Defensive Playmaker

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to begin the 2025 NFL season, and they're doing so in relatively good health. The team is down a couple of players with first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon being included. Otherwise, however, the bill of health looks promising the start of the year. One player who has been uncertain is outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who has practiced in a limited capacity after injuring his hamstring in the team's second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Steelers' latest moves are promising for the former fourth-round pick.

On Saturday, the team announced the game day elevations; that is, players on the practice squad who were promoted to the 53-man roster ahead of the game on Sunday. The sole player promoted for the Steelers was cornerback James Pierre, a defender who has stuck around on the roster primarily due to his gunner abilities on special teams, which is likely why he was promoted ahead of the game.

This could be seen as good news for Herbig. That's not because of Pierre's elevation, but rather, that nobody else was promoted, including any other outside linebackers. If Herbig's status was truly in doubt, the team would need another edge rusher to play some snaps. 

Since the team didn't promote anyone, it's likely that the decision-makers are confident that he Herbig play. The news is not only significant for Herbig, but also for the team, who desperately need the linebacker's pass rush juice.

Steelers' Herbig Looks To Make His Mark In 2025

It's true that Herbig is purely a rotational pass rusher, and that his snap count is limited, but that hasn't stopped him from making a significant impact for the team. In 2024, as the third edge rusher behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, Herbig graded out as the third best at his position in the entire league with a staggering 91.8 pass rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Herbig registered seven sacks and an incredible four forced fumbles (tied for second in the league).

Herbig could also play a significant part in the team's future. Watt isn't getting any younger, although he inked a contract in the offseason that put him on the team through 2028. Highsmith's contract runs out in 2027, and there's questions about whether an extension would come for him with a star like Herbig in waiting.

While he will still be the third outside linebacker, there's no doubt that Herbig's role will increase in 2025. The team will almost certainly want to keep Watt, now 30-years-old, fresh. In addition, the team has utilized defensive formations in the past couple years that see three pass rushers on the field at the same time - a notable way to keep their most talented players on the field.