Steelers Third-Year LB Preparing to be Starter with T.J. Watt Absent from OTAs

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig is taking full advantage of the extra reps he’s getting with T.J. Watt absent from OTAs.

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been absent from the first two days of OTAs. That has given other players, like third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig, a chance to run with the ones.

“I’d love for T.J. to be here,” Herbig said. “That’s my guy, but any chance I get to run with the ones, that’s an awesome feeling because I feel like I prepare every day like that. I’m preparing to be a starter because you never know when your number’s gonna be called. In this league, you don’t wanna miss your shot. You don’t want to miss your opportunity, so you gotta stay ready.”

Herbig, the Steelers fourth-round pick (No. 132) in 2023, has spent most of the first two years of his NFL career as a depth, rotational piece behind Watt and fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

However, the 23-year-old has been impressive when given an opportunity, recording 49 tackles (32 solo), 8.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Herbig has already learned a lot from Watt, but he revealed Watt isn’t the only person he’s been adding to his game from.

“I think any reps I get out here is gonna help me take an extra step forward,” Herbig said. “I think just being here with my teammates, building a comradery, learning new things, we’re always putting in new plays and new techniques, so just being around the guys, I’m still learning a lot from Alex, a lot from coach [Denzel] Martin, coach [Karl] Dunbar, so I think regardless, it’s a great time.”

Many have speculated that Watt is holding out as he awaits an extension, heading into the final year of his contract. Whether that is true or not, it’s safe to assume he and the team will come to an agreement at some point, pushing Herbig back into his depth role.

However, the outside linebacker room suffered a ton of injuries last season and Herbig seems primed to take advantage if that were to happen once again in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Third-Year LB Preparing to be Starter with T.J. Watt Absent from OTAs