Steelers close to getting OLB Alex Highsmith back, remain in wait-and-see mode with Nick Herbig

The top three outside linebackers on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster played a combined three snaps during the preseason, and coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t yet know how many of his veterans at those two positions he will have available when the regular season opens Sept. 7.

Tomlin will have former NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt on the field when the Steelers open against the New York Jets. He got through training camp unscathed. Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, though, are recovering from injuries.

On Monday, after the Steelers finished practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Tomlin seemed confident that Highsmith will dress for the opener. He wasn’t as optimistic about Herbig.

“I don’t know yet,” Tomlin said. “We’ll know as we get closer to it.”

Herbig was the only returning veteran outside linebacker to play in the preseason, and his lone appearance was cut short after three plays in the second week against Tampa Bay. Herbig injured his hamstring and hasn’t practiced since.

“Anytime you get injured, it’s frustrating,” Herbig said. “It happens. Fortunately enough, it didn’t happen midseason. I have time to recover and get ready for Week 1.”

Herbig injured his hamstring in the fifth week of the 2024 season and sat out three games. He has worked with the training staff to ensure he doesn’t miss as much time this year.

“I have a great plan,” he said. “It’s progressing every day, and we’ll keep stacking.”

Highsmith also is dealing with an injury that sidelined him in 2024. He missed three games last year after hurting his groin. He suffered the same injury in training camp and didn’t play in the preseason.

Tomlin believes Highsmith is closer to returning than Herbig.

“I like his level of competition and participation,” Tomlin said. “I think he was almost a full participant today. He’s moving in the right direction.”

Highsmith learned last season not to rush his return to the field. He has one more practice day this week and four next week before the Steelers face the Jets at MetLife Stadium.

“I’m feeling great, doing a lot of rehab and over the past few weeks making myself right,” Highsmith said. “They are working me back in slowly. I’m doing a lot of team stuff, so I’m really close to 100%. It’s being smart with it. … I’ve done a lot, turned over a lot of stones to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Howard update

Tomlin said rookie quarterback Will Howard is nearing a return to practice. Howard missed the slate of preseason games after breaking a finger on his throwing hand in practice at training camp.

“He’s had some positive reviews, has been meeting with hand specialists and increasing his level of activity,” Tomlin said. “We’ve altered the brace. He’s moving in the right direction in terms of full participation very soon.”