The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has been defined by relentless pass rushers, physicality, and a next-man-up mentality. This season, rookie linebacker Nick Herbig has quickly carved out a name for himself with flashes of explosiveness off the edge. But with Alex Highsmith returning to the lineup after injury, questions naturally arise about how Herbig will be used moving forward. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin addressed the situation this week, shedding light on how the team views its young playmaker.

Herbig’s Rise in Highsmith’s Absence

When Highsmith was sidelined, Herbig was thrust into a bigger role — and he responded. Despite being a fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, the rookie showed NFL-ready instincts and an ability to win off the edge with speed and leverage.

Herbig’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has generated consistent pressure, notched a couple of key tackles-for-loss, and provided the kind of depth championship-caliber defenses need. Austin praised the rookie’s maturity, saying Herbig has “done everything we’ve asked of him and then some.”

Highsmith’s Return and Defensive Balance

With Alex Highsmith healthy again, the Steelers regain one of their most important defensive pieces opposite T.J. Watt. Highsmith’s pass-rushing ability, combined with his steady edge-setting against the run, makes him a crucial component of Pittsburgh’s front seven.

However, Highsmith’s return doesn’t mean Herbig will vanish from the rotation. Austin emphasized that while Highsmith will resume his starting role, Herbig has earned opportunities to stay involved. “Nick’s going to continue to play,” Austin said. “He gives us energy, and we want to keep finding ways to get him on the field.”

A Three-Headed Edge Rotation?

The Steelers have historically leaned heavily on Watt and Highsmith to play nearly every defensive snap. That workload, while effective, can be taxing over a 17-game season. Herbig’s emergence allows Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin to get creative.

“We’ve got three guys who can get after the quarterback,” Austin explained. “That’s a luxury in this league. We’re going to use it.”

Expect the Steelers to rotate Herbig situationally, whether in third-down packages, to spell Watt or Highsmith for a few snaps, or in specific sub-packages designed to maximize speed off the edge. This could keep Pittsburgh’s top rushers fresher in critical late-game and late-season moments.

Veteran Praise and Locker Room Fit

Herbig’s teammates have spoken highly of him, with Watt noting the rookie’s relentless motor and attention to detail. Highsmith himself has embraced Herbig’s rise, emphasizing that having another talented edge rusher strengthens the unit overall.

For a Steelers defense that prides itself on culture and tradition, Herbig’s seamless fit into the locker room has been just as important as his on-field impact. Austin highlighted his professionalism, saying: “Nick prepares like a veteran. That’s rare for a rookie.”

Looking Ahead

As Pittsburgh continues its push in the AFC North, depth will be critical. Injuries are inevitable, and having a third edge rusher capable of creating havoc could be the difference in close games.

Herbig may not rack up gaudy numbers right away, but his role is growing, and his presence makes the Steelers’ pass rush even more dangerous. Austin summed it up best:

“With T.J., Alex, and Nick, we’ve got a group we feel really good about. They’re going to make life tough on quarterbacks.”

Final Thoughts

The return of Alex Highsmith is a boost for Pittsburgh’s defense, but it doesn’t diminish what Nick Herbig has accomplished. Instead, it sets the stage for a deeper, more versatile pass-rushing rotation. For Teryl Austin and the Steelers, that’s not a problem — it’s a luxury.