Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) was a full participant at Friday’s practice. He has no injury designation for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed during his Tuesday press conference that he was optimistic that Herbig will play against the Browns on Sunday. Herbig was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before being a full participant on Friday.
Herbig was optimistic about his chances of playing in the team’s Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, despite not practicing much.
The Steelers thought otherwise, however. The team downgraded Herbig (hamstring) from doubtful to out for Sunday’s game in Detroit.
Herbig suffered the hamstring injury in Monday night’s win over the Miami Dolphins.
The Steelers were without two of their top three outside linebackers against Detroit. Herbig joined All-Pro T.J. Watt (lung) on the inactive list. Watt will be out again on Sunday.
Rookie Jack Sawyer made his first career start against the Lions.
Sawyer and Alex Highsmith stepped up in Watt and Herbig’s absence, as the Lions were held to only 15 yards rushing. Highsmith had six total tackles (4 solos), two tackles for losses and two quarterback hits, while Sawyer had five total tackles (3 solos), one tackle for loss, one pass defended and two quarterback hits.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Get Back Key Reinforcement vs. Browns
