Steelers Rule Out Key Piece Prior To Matchup With Lions

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without two of their best defenders during Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions.

The Steelers downgraded linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) to out on Saturday, as shared by senior director of communications Burt Lauten. Pittsburgh also upgraded long snapper Christian Kuntz (knee) from questionable to no injury status designation in the process.

Herbig suffered his injury during Monday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins, and missed the first two practices of the week before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. T.J. Watt, underwent successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung that was suffered during a dry needling treatment session at the facility last Wednesday, was also ruled out earlier this week.

Jack Sawyer will make his first career start alongside Alex Highsmith, while recently the re-acquired Jeremiah Moon and practice squadder DeMarvin Leal will provide depth on the edge.

“I’m ready,” Sawyer said Thursday, per 93.7 The Fan. “I’m going day by day trying to get better and get myself ready for anything, just trying to grow as a player, gain knowledge and be ready for whatever opportunity lies in front of me. This is what you live for. This is what you play the game for. Being later in the year, the games get heightened. That’s what you play this game for. It’s exciting and it’s a great opportunity for us.”

Pittsburgh enters the game as 6.5-point underdogs.

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