PITTSBURGH — When Omar Khan was promoted ahead of the 2022 season to be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ general manager, he made it clear that building quality depth at all positions would be one of his main priorities. Three weeks into the 2024 season, that depth is about to be tested in a significant way, with several starters sidelined.
On Friday, first-round rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu injured his knee at practice and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. He confirmed Monday that he will need surgery. Multiple reports indicate the injury could keep Fautanu out for the rest of the regular season.
Then during Sunday’s game, the Steelers lost another starter when Alex Highsmith injured his groin, a similar injury to one he battled in training camp. Highsmith said Monday that he is awaiting MRI results to determine the severity and the potential timeline for a return.
“I just got to see what the results are and just know that it’s a long season,” Highsmith said. “I just don’t want this to be something that’s lingering all season. When I’m out there, I want to be 100 percent.”
The Steelers might also have some concerns at running back. Najee Harris was spotted wearing a sling Monday, and Jaylen Warren was pulled from Sunday’s game after coach Mike Tomlin said the back didn’t appear to be running with his usual burst. The status of both players is uncertain. Should either miss time, the versatile Cordarrelle Patterson, who can play receiver or running back, could see an increase in carries. Perhaps Tomlin will provide more clarity during his weekly news conference Tuesday.
“That’s ball and life,” Tomlin said Sunday. “We spend less time worrying about the unfortunates that got hurt. We like to spend our time focusing on those that got an opportunity to elevate and contribute.”
In each of these cases, the injuries will challenge the Steelers in different ways and present opportunities for others.
On the offensive line, while losing Fautanu for a significant portion of the season is a disappointing setback for a promising rookie, it has streamlined things at tackle. Broderick Jones had been cross-training at right and left tackle, enduring ups and downs throughout the preseason and into the regular season.
It looked momentarily like Jones had lost his starting role, after the planned rotation at right tackle in Week 2 turned into a disappointing performance. Jones committed three penalties in six plays and was benched after one series in Denver. He was expecting to have to earn his way into the good graces of the coaching staff at practice and in a rotational role.
But Fautanu went down Friday in practice, giving Jones an early chance to redeem himself as he stepped back into a starting role. He was mostly solid during Sunday’s win over the Chargers. In 35 pass blocking snaps, he allowed one sack, two pressures and one hurry, according to Pro Football Focus, while committing no penalties.
Barring another injury, he’ll now have the opportunity to work through some of his growing pains while focusing mostly on right tackle.
“Playing one side is also a big factor,” Jones said. “Not being able to, you know, just hone in on your skills and not switching from side to side every so often. It is good just being on one side, and we know we’re just gonna continue trying to build from there.”
The Steelers’ offensive line has been hit especially hard by injuries this year. A preseason injury to Nate Herbig opened the door for rookie center Zach Frazier to step into a starting role. Then, when starting left guard Isaac Seumalo went down with a pec injury, the versatile Spencer Anderson was elevated to a starting spot. On Sunday, Anderson rotated with fourth-round rookie Mason McCormick, who could continue to see more playing time if Seumalo’s injury lingers.
Jones said the offensive linemen have been leaning on veterans — like Seumalo, even in his absence — to keep the ship afloat.
“The vets in the room, they do a great job of just keeping everybody together,” Jones said. “Everybody always being on one accord in the offensive meeting room, talking, breaking down film. Coach Pat (Meyer) and (assistant line) coach Isaac (Williams) do a great job with us.”
Meanwhile, on defense, Nick Herbig stepped in for Highsmith and almost immediately made his presence felt. The second-year edge rusher out of Wisconsin tallied two sacks, three pressures and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Chargers. Most impressive was his strip sack midway through the quarter, when he beat former Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater.
STUD 😤 @nickherbig_
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/fkcZL7L0Wo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 22, 2024
“He balled out,” Highsmith said. “I knew he was going to. It’s just awesome having a guy like that to be able to make plays. He’s just going to get better and better.”
When the Steelers drafted Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, some talent evaluators wondered if he’d have to transition to inside linebacker because of his undersized 6-foot-2, 240-pound frame.
However, almost immediately, Herbig proved he was capable of getting to the quarterback. He became the standout of the preseason in 2023, logging 3.5 sacks. As the 2023 regular season unfolded, his opportunities were few and far between in a room that also features high-end edge rushers like T.J. Watt and Highsmith. However, almost every time he got a chance, he made an impact. In 66 pass rushing opportunities, Herbig logged three sacks, three hits and a forced fumble that he recovered himself.
The stats and the film show the Herbig has been able to overcome his perceived size disadvantage thanks to his quick-twitch playing style and instincts.
“He’s somebody that will turn the corner very fast on you,” said Anderson, who has gone against Herbig plenty over the past two years. “He’s not like a guy that’s going to power you to death. But then, you know, just when you think that, he will power you.”
As Herbig has developed, the narrative went from, “Is he too small to play outside linebacker?” to, “How do the Steelers get him on the field more?”
Pittsburgh has toyed with a dime package featuring all three edge rushers — Watt, Highsmith and Herbig — on the field. That package will have to be modified now, but Herbig should have plenty more opportunities to contribute in the base defense and sub packages. What might have once felt like a luxury pick at a loaded position group is turning into a key contributor who will be asked to be a diference-maker on a defense predicated upon pressure.
Along the way, Herbig has maintained a healthy appetite for more. Watt said he’s constantly asking questions and trying to adopt moves from the two edge rushers ahead of him.
“This guy wants to be great,” Tomlin said. “But he’s looking at the recipe every day of his life, too. He just does. He’s sharp enough to follow guys at his position who do it at high level who have been doing it longer than him. I think that positions him more than anything to produce what it is you’re looking at.”
Herbig has been asked to be patient as he waits for an expanded opportunity. He’s watched as fellow 2024 draft picks Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton have taken another step in Year 2. Now, due to Highsmith’s injury, Herbig will likely be in line for his first career start and a full share of snaps.
“Those second-year players, you see the jump because you’re so much more comfortable out there,” Watt said. “You’re not just saying, ‘I have the curl/flat this drop.’ It’s like, ‘OK, I know what I have. Now, I can hear. I can use all of my senses and diagnose what I think is happening on this play.’ That’s why you see the jump from those guys from Year 1 to Year 2. But with that being said, it’s because they want to learn. He’s able to apply what he learns to the game field, which is huge.”
(Photos of Troy Fautanu, left, and Alex Highsmith: Brooke Sutton / Getty Images)
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