One of many largest storylines for the Pittsburgh Steelers in OTAs is who isn’t in attendance. By means of two days, there have been a couple of gamers who haven’t been seen. That features T.J. Watt, who’s in search of a contract extension. OTAs are voluntary, so it isn’t too large of a deal that Watt isn’t there. That additionally permits Nick Herbig to get extra first-team reps. Whereas Herbig isn’t celebrating Watt’s absence, he’s joyful that he can get extra work in with the starters.
“I’d love T.J. [Watt] to be right here, that’s my man,” Herbig mentioned Wednesday through Pittsburgh’s DSEN on YouTube. “However any likelihood I get to run with those, that’s an superior feeling. I really feel like I put together on daily basis like that. I’m ready to be a starter.
“You by no means know when your quantity’s gonna be referred to as. On this league, you don’t need to miss your shot, you don’t need to miss your alternative, so that you’ve acquired to remain prepared.”
Herbig has solely been within the NFL for 2 seasons, however in that point, he’s proven so much. He’s been a superb depth piece for the Steelers. Final 12 months, Herbig even acquired his first style of being a starter when Alex Highsmith was injured. Whereas he ended up coping with accidents of his personal in 2024, Herbig completed the 12 months with 5.5 sacks.
This season, there’s hope Herbig will take one other step ahead. Whereas he isn’t prone to begin with Watt and Highsmith on the staff, he’ll be the subsequent man up if both of them will get damage. Herbig wants a bit of little bit of polish as a run defender, however he’s very disruptive dashing the passer.
With Watt and the Steelers not agreeing on a brand new contract but, Herbig may proceed to work with the starters this offseason. Maybe Watt will miss different offseason actions till he will get a brand new deal. That will enable Herbig to proceed sharpening his abilities. He’s a promising younger participant, and he ought to have a presence on the Steelers’ protection this 12 months, no matter whether or not he’s beginning or not.
Nonetheless, it’s necessary to notice that, whereas Herbig is nice, nobody can change Watt. He’s a distinction maker and among the best gamers within the league. He and the Steelers will possible iron out a brand new deal in some unspecified time in the future earlier than the season begins. Nonetheless, any work Watt misses ought to profit Herbig. Possibly that will assist the younger go rusher be even higher this 12 months.
