The Steelers go into today's game against the New York Jets without two players on defense.
They will be without defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, the team's No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as well as linebacker Nick Herbig, who was limited in practice all week with a hamstring injury. Both players are inactive.
Harmon suffered a knee sprain in the preseason finale and Coach Mike Tomlin indicated at the start of the week that he wouldn't be available.
With Harmon out, expect multiple players to step up and do their part, something that isn't that far from the norm on the defensive line early in the season.
"It's going to be a committee of people, but I would imagine it would have been a committee of people if he were available," said Tomlin. "We generally play a lot of D-linemen, particularly early in the season, due to lack of conditioning and potential heat and so forth.
"And so, not only us, but globally speaking, this time of year, most teams play a lot of bigs up front defensively so that fatigue doesn't become a factor, particularly down the stretch in the football game."
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has spent the week preparing the unit for Harmon to be out.
"You have a veteran guy like Milk (Isaiahh Loudermilk) and a young guy like Yahya (Black)," said Austin. "I think we have some good quality guys that are going to fill that role until he's back.
"We have some young guys that are filling that role. They're going to have to fill roles all year because, as you know, you don't go through a season unscathed. There's going to be times where guys miss, and those guys will have to step up and do a really good job. I think we've addressed our depth. We've addressed it with some young talent, some big bodies.
"So, I'm not really worried about it at this time. If we were to have a whole bunch of injuries, then there might be a different story, but not right now."
Black, the Steelers fifth round pick out of Iowa, said he didn't know what the plan was for his playing time today, but he will take advantage of whatever comes his way.
"Just get the reps when you have the chance," said Black. "When you're out there, you play to your best ability."
Black had a strong preseason, and the hope is that will translate once games count in the win column.
"I think he's had some early success because he's a huge individual. He's strong and he uses his hands," said Austin. "I think, when you're an interior guy that has that type of size and length, when you use your hands and you're powerful, you can get rid of blocks, put off of blocks, you make yourself available to make plays.
"So, we're just looking for his growth and continued development. I think, as a young guy, the biggest thing that a lot of those guys face is what kind of blocking schemes and how they're getting blocked and recognizing things because the minute they learn those things and understand them with their strength and power, they're able to play and play well."
Two players who will be active today are receiver Calvin Austin III and linebacker Alex Highsmith, who dealt with injuries in training camp and the preseason.
"Feeling great," said Austin. "Feeling great and blessed. Just ready to go.
"Not only is this my job, but it's what I love to do. It's my dream. So anytime I can be back on the field with my teammates, it's always a good time."
Highsmith was bothered by a groin injury during camp and admits it was frustrating, but he is feeling like himself again.
"It feels great," said Highsmith. "It's great to be back with the guys. It's always so much fun out there. I'm just excited to get out with the guys for Week 1."
The Steelers elevated defensive back James Pierre from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for the game and he will be active today.
In addition to Harmon and Herbig, the other inactives include offensive lineman Andrus Peat and Max Scharping, defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo and third quarterback Skylar Thompson.
Steelers Inactives
No. 17 QB Skylar Thompson (3rd QB)
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig
No. 64 G Max Scharping
No. 71 G Andrus Peat
No. 93 DE Esezi Otomewo
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon
Jets Inactives
No. 10 WR Allen Lazard
No. 55 LB Braiden McGregor
No. 67 OT Esa Pole
No. 86 TE Jelani Woods
No. 96 DL Leonard Taylor III
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
