The Pittsburgh Steelers might need their edge rusher depth to step up, as superstar linebacker TJ Watt suffered an unfortunate lung injury this week at practice and is currently questionable for Week 15. His impact goes well beyond the stat sheet, as opposing offensive coordinators build their entire gameplan on making sure he does not single-handedly wreck the contest. With him possibly out, Nick Herbig will get the chance to fill his shoes and show how great he truly is in a primetime contest.
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Steelers rookie Nick Herbig has been one of the team's many standouts in the first two 2023 preseason contests.
Of course, Herbig will be playing opposite of veteran Alex Highsmith, who is great in his own right. Some fans have wanted him to be traded so the third-year edge rusher in Herbig can become a starter, but every time Highsmith is on the field, he shows why the team wants to keep him around no matter what.
During a press conference on Thursday, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin explained exactly what Highsmith brings to the team, as transcribed by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
"When he’s healthy, boy, he’s good," Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin said of Highsmith. "He was real good last week. Obviously, everyone remembers the sack to end the game, but the dirty work he did all game in terms of setting the edges and being really physical at the point of attack, … that’s the stuff that he brings. The biggest thing for him is to stay healthy, because when he’s healthy, that’s the kind of player he is."
The Steelers have made it very clear that they love having Highsmith around for his ability to both stop the run, and rush the quarterback, as they believe that Herbig lacks in that first area. With opposing offenses constantly running away from Watt, Highsmith has to constantly set the edge on his side and not let the running back get past him, which Austin thought he did well in during the team's Week 14 win.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in East Rutherford, NJ.
Highsmith has always been a great edge rusher, and he even had 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2022 when Watt missed about half the year and played injured for the rest of it. He has shown that he can step up and be the main guy if needed, and that will most likely be the case for Week 15.
Despite missing four games in 2025 thus far, Highsmith is on pace to have his second-best season in terms of sacks, as he currently has 6.5. Of course, Austin is not too worried about those stats, as he is focused on using the veteran to make sure the Miami Dolphins don't run wild like they have in recent weeks. In a game with a true home-field advantage, the Steelers can't let Miami play the game they want to play.
Steelers' Teryl Austin Also Mentioned The One Caveat With Highsmith
The big key to what Austin said is "when he's healthy." Highsmith has been very injury-prone over the previous two seasons, and it has limited his ability at times. If he keeps suffering these same constant injuries, it will be hard for the Steelers to justify keeping him and his large salary around. He's worth the money when he's healthy, but it may be time to let him go in exchange for high draft capital.
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Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
With Watt possibly out, Highsmith will have to stay healthy, despite likely playing almost every rep in this game on Monday, especially in run-down situations. The Steelers may have great depth, but losing both starters is an issue that would severely limit any NFL team; even one that has Herbig and Jack Sawyer waiting for their opportunity.
What do you think about Austin's praise for Highsmith? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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