Steelers OLB ’s Season Ends Before It Even Begins

TAMPA — Sometimes the harshest reminder in football isn’t a missed tackle or a blown assignment — it’s the sudden pull of a muscle that ends a night before it really starts.

That was the case for Nick Herbig, the Steelers’ second-year outside linebacker, who left Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. He didn’t return, spending the rest of the evening on the sideline with trainers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed afterward that Herbig is “okay,” an indication the injury may not be severe. Still, the team is expected to take a cautious approach. Soft-tissue injuries are notoriously tricky, and the Steelers have little reason to rush him back in August.

For a defense already managing depth issues — with Alex Highsmith also dealing with a groin injury — Herbig’s absence is notable. His energy off the edge has been a bright spot in camp, and losing him, even temporarily, shifts pressure to young backups and rotational players.

The Steelers will monitor Herbig’s recovery closely this week. Whether he suits up for the preseason finale against the Panthers remains uncertain. The more important goal is ensuring he’s ready for Week 1, and the team’s history suggests they’ll prioritize long-term health over short-term reps.

Herbig’s season isn’t over — not yet. But for now, his path takes a detour into rehab and patience. In Pittsburgh, where pass-rushers define the team’s identity, the hope is simple: the hamstring heals quickly, and Herbig can get back to doing what he does best — bringing relentless energy to the edge.