Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed during his Tuesday press conference that he’s optimistic that outside linebacker Nick Herbig will play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Herbig said he was “optimistic” about his chances of playing in the team’s Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, despite not practicing much this week.
The Steelers thought otherwise, however. The team downgraded Nick Herbig (hamstring) from doubtful to out for Sunday’s game in Detroit.
Herbig did not practice on either Wednesday or Thursday. He was at practice doing at least some work on Friday.
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 on Sunday. Herbig joined All-Pro T.J. Watt (lung) on the inactive list.
Rookie Jack Sawyer made his first career start. Recently re-acquired Jeremiah Moon and practice squad member DeMarvin Leal provided depth at OLB.
Sawyer and Highsmith stepped up in Watt and Herbig’s absence, as the Detroit Lions were held to only 15 yards rushing. Highsmith had two tackles for losses, while Sawyer had five total tackles.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Get Good News on Nick Herbig’s Injury
