Steelers OLB Nick Herbig ‘optimistic’ he will return against Commanders after bye

Nick Herbig insists it hasn’t been as difficult for him to watch the past three games — in lieu of playing in them for the Pittsburgh Steelers — as one might think.

“I love watching my teammates play,” Herbig said as the Steelers gathered Wednesday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex before embarking on their bye week. “Especially when (position mates) T.J. (Watt) and Alex (Highsmith) are making plays and other guys like (cornerback) Beanie Bishop are making plays, that brings a smile to your face.”

What would surely make Herbig smile even more, though, would be to return to game action after a three-game absence because of a hamstring injury.

Asked if he was “itching to get back,” Herbig laughed.

“I’m ready,” he said.

The Steelers’ next game is Nov. 10 at the Washington Commanders. Could Herbig be in line to play that day?

“I’m optimistic about it,” he said. “I am gonna get out there and see how I feel.”

The Steelers’ next practice is Monday.

Though the situation at his position is not as dire as it was three weeks ago when Highsmith also was out, the Steelers have only Jeremiah Moon on their active roster at outside linebacker after Watt, Highsmith and Herbig.

In limited action over 22 career games (333 defensive snaps played), Herbig has 5 1/2 sacks, three forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss.

“It’s going to mean a lot,” Steelers outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin said of Herbig’s return. “That guy, he’s a good, young, dynamic rusher.

“Nick is a very, very, very smart player, He can make a mistake once — but after that he moves on and figures it out.”