The Steelers go into tonight's game without multiple key players, including linebacker T.J. Watt who was ruled out late last week dealing with a lung issue and is inactive.
Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Watt's issue last week.
"He had a medical procedure yesterday," said Tomlin. "He's been released from the hospital. He's at home resting comfortably. So that's good news from a medical standpoint.
"But from a participation standpoint, he'll be described as out this week for Monday night."
Tomlin said he isn't sure how long Watt will be out.
"I do not (know)," said Tomlin. "I hadn't looked beyond Monday night. I'm kind of one week at a time. I know he's not participating this week."
With Watt out, look for Nick Herbig to see more playing time against the Dolphins.
Herbig and others will do their part to step up.
"T.J.'s done a great job of being a leader, not just in the room, but in the whole building, the organization," said Herbig. "I think he rubs off on a lot of people in the right way. I'm not worried at all because we have great guys, great leaders, that'll pick up that slack for T.J.
"I think that he's prepared not just myself, but a bunch of the younger guys in that sense to be able to take on that larger role, not just as a player, but as a leader, and bringing that energy and just doing everything that he does right."
Herbig is ready to bring the energy.
"I think that's been the name of the game in my career since I've been here," said Herbig. "Just being able to stay ready, never knowing when your number's going to get called, never know when you're going to have opportunities to help the team in a bigger role.
"I think that's been my story. And I accept that. I accept my role on this team and I'm going to do whatever I can help.
"It's the next man up mentality, keeping the standard the standard. I know that T.J. has full trust in me and the room and the group that we're going be able to pick up the slack for him.
"Obviously you can't replace a guy like that, a Hall of Famer, the best in the league, the best that will ever do it. It's hard to replace a guy like that, but we're going to do everything in our ability to make sure we do the right things by him."
Another player expected to step up is linebacker Jack Sawyer.
"I feel like I'm getting better each week and getting more comfortable with this level and the scheme," said Sawyer. "I'm just trying to help this team win any way I can."
Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward knows the defense is going to have to adapt with Watt out.
It's nothing they aren't accustomed to.
"Obviously you make adjustments," said Heyward. "But I think there's a lot of confidence in in that group especially.
"To have a rotation already with T.J., Alex (Highsmith), Herb (Nick Herbig), and Jack (Sawyer) has been pretty special.
"Now we just get to rely on our depth."
That depth right now is in a good place with Highsmith back in action. After missing Weeks 11 and 12, Highsmith returned two weeks ago and is back to full form.
"Alex is one of those players that can play run and pass," said Heyward. "There's not a deficiency in his game. The conversations we have in studying our opponents, he's really stepped that up this year. We're just going to need more of it. We look for him to step up as a leader in that group, and Nick and Jack all have to be a part of it as well."
Highsmith, who had his share of injury issues this season, knows everyone just has to be their best.
"It's been an up and down year for me," said Highsmith. "I continue to trust the process. Dominate what I can control.
"I just got out there and be my best self every game. That's how I look at it. We have a really deep group. Coach T always says the standard is the standard. No matter who is in we have to have production. I know Herb's going to bring that. Jack's going to bring that. We have good guys that are going to be able to step up."
Cornerback James Pierre is also inactive tonight as he has been dealing with a calf injury. In his absence, look for Asante Samuel Jr. to see extended playing time.
Safety Jalen Ramsey has been impressed with the way Samuel has fit in with the secondary since he joined the team in November.
"He fits in great," said Ramsey. "Always on it. Very attentive on the field, in meetings. Trying to get his groove back, being out there after not playing for a little while. His demeanor, his energy, his mentality, it's all something we welcome in the in the DB room. Excited for him to keep growing in his role with our secondary and with our team. So, I've been enjoying it. Obviously, I'm biased too that's as a Seminole, so I'm all for it."
The Steelers will also be without left offensive tackle Andrus Peat, another injury to a position where the Steelers have had more than their fair share of them.
With Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson now on the Reserve/Injured List, and Peat out with a concussion, it will be Dylan Cook who will step in
Cook was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster last week and is a player who can step right in without the offense missing a beat, which is what he did last week when he was called into action against the Ravens.
"Props to him for being mentally ready," said offensive tackle Troy Fautanu. "Obviously, he's been here for a couple of years so physically he knows the standard when it comes to how we play in the o-line room. So, it was awesome to see him out there being confident and just playing ball.
"It's awesome to see him step in and obviously it was a big step in being able to win the game."
The left tackle position has been snake-bitten as of late on the injury front, something that Fautanu knows you have to expect and prepare for.
"It stinks obviously seeing guys go down and guys get injured, but it's the nature of the game," said Fautanu. "It's a physical sport and things like that are going to happen every week, regardless of what position you play.
"So, as we like to say in the o-line room, all the older guys and the coaches always say it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when with injuries. So, props to Dylan for being able to step in and fill that role."
The ability to step up and fill in the way Cook did is a true indication of how close the offensive line room is, and how they work together as a unit.
"We all know how Dylan plays," said Fautanu. "We know what kind of player he is. We're all confident he can come in and make plays.
"I feel like that's a key part of being a really good o-line, and obviously we're still working towards that. But the closer you are, I feel like the better you are."
The full list of inactives is below
Steelers Inactives
No. 10 WR Roman Wilson
No. 18 QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
No. 71 G Andrus Peat
No. 78 DT Brodric Martin-Rhodes
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon
Dolphins Inactives
No. 14 QB Quinn Ewers (3rd QB)
No. 22 DB Elijah Campbell
No. 24 CB A.J. Green III
No. 79 OT Larry Borom
No. 84 WR Tahj Washington
No. 91 DT Matthew Butler
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