The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to get some extra looks at some of their more common contributors against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, that effort always comes with risk.
After sitting out of the preseason opener, Mike Tomlin and his staff decided Nick Herbig should see some reps in Week 2. Herbig made his initial splash with the black and gold in the preseason, and fans were certainly excited at the third-year pass rusher getting to rack up more sacks to add to his preseason total.
After just a few snaps, Herbig was taken into the blue medical tent to be checked out for an injury. Reports indicate Herbig sustained a hamstring injury and will not return to the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers exercising caution as pass rusher faces familiar injury concern
The severity of the injury is not yet known. Hopefully, the injury is minor and the Steelers are just exercising caution by pulling him from the game.
Herbig is no stranger to hamstring injuries, missing five games last season due to the same type of injury. It was poor timing then, early in the season, because the Steelers had just lost Alex Highsmith for an extended period with a hamstring of his own.
Herbig’s status notwithstanding, he’s set to be a significant contributor off the edge for the Steelers defense in 2025. Last season, Herbig recorded 5.5 sacks to bring his career total to 8.5. He’s made quite the impression with Steelers Nation for his knack for creating splash plays in the backfield, too, with six forced fumbles to his credit.
The Steelers defense will turn to DeMarvin Leal in Herbig’s place in the meantime. Eku Leota could see a few extra reps as well. Jack Sawyer is expected to play for the majority of the game, as well.
We’ll continue to monitor Herbig’s status as more information becomes available.