The Steelers head into today's game against the Detroit Lions with some holes on both sides of the ball due to multiple players inactive because of injuries.
The team will be without outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, as well as cornerback James Pierre and guard Isaac Seumalo.
With Watt and Herbig dealing with their issues, it will be rookie Jack Sawyer who will be asked to step up.
And his teammates have faith in him.
"I think it goes back to guys being prepared for the opportunity," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "Our group is very deep, the outside linebacker position. All the guys have stepped in and played good for us.
"This week, Jack's going to have a big opportunity as well. So, those guys stepping up, they've got to make the most of it. But all those guys worked hard. So, I'm just proud of our group and how the guys continue to work and get better."
Sawyer and Jeremiah Moon, who the team signed off the Carolina Panthers practice squad this week, join Highsmith as the only fully healthy outside linebackers.
"I'm just taking it day by day, trying to get better and prepare myself for anything," said Sawyer.
The rookie from Ohio State has seen his share of playing time this year, continually growing with the help of the veterans at the position.
"I've learned a lot from them," said Sawyer. "I feel like every day I'm learning something new from them to take with me into game day. They provide so much detail of everything to play the position.
"So just trying to pick up things every day.
"I'm just coming in here trying to get better every day, prepare myself for anything and then go out there and play to my fullest potential.
"I'm just getting ready for a game against a good opponent. Good offensive line, good quarterback. Playmakers all over the field. So, I'm preparing every day like I would normally."
When Sawyer was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, he didn't know what to expect coming into his rookie year. He knew he was at a position where the starters were solid, but injuries and a long season always allow for more opportunities.
"I was coming in trying to work as hard as I can and get better and grow as a player and learn," said Sawyer. "So, I'm just excited to continue that and we've got two great older guys in the room. And Nick Herbig, who's been playing great football too. So, to be able to learn from those guys has been great.
"Coming into this game, it's a little different from what I'm used to. Trying to learn and grow as much as I can each day on everything. I prepare myself and get ready so that when I'm in there, I can help the collective and do my part the best I can."
Sawyer has given the Steelers what they wanted this season.
"I think for a young guy, Jack's pretty consistent in terms of what he does, how he prepares, how he works," said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. "The one thing I always like, when you watched Jack in college, when it was tough and they needed a big play, he was a guy that was around. So, he's not afraid of those moments.
"I think he'll be able to step up and give us what we need with an expanded role again this week.
"He does a good job. He kind of reminds me when we had Bud (Dupree). Bud is a big 265-pound guy, and Jack is that way. So, it was all new for him because he was a defensive end in college and all this stuff is new, but I think it helps us because it gives us a little heavier anchor sometimes on the edge. Where sometimes guys, they'll use their quickness to move around, this guy can actually set down and set an edge.
"So, those are some things that are a little bit different in that regard, but he's really making the transition well. We've just got to continue to keep him going that way."
Moon seems comfortable in stepping in and helping as well, as he previously spent time with the Steelers.
"I remember everything," said Moon. "It's like riding a bike, especially having coaches like (Karl) Dunbar and Denzel (Martin).
"At the end of the day it's just football. You do what you are doing and everything will work out.
"I'm just giving my all, giving my best. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. That's all I can ever ask for, to get back on the field and play some football. I'm excited for the opportunity."
The Steelers also elevated offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and defensive back Daryl Porter from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive Roster for the game.
Driscoll, who was signed to the Steelers practice squad on Oct. 29, was also elevated for the Week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins.
Driscoll was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He spent five seasons with the Eagles, appearing in 67 games, starting 18.
Porter joined the Steelers during training camp in 2025.
Porter, the son of former NFL defensive back Daryl Porter Sr., was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. He was released during training camp.
Porter began his college career at West Virginia, before transferring to Miami where he was a two-year starter. He recorded 108 tackles during his college career, as well as 18 passes defensed, 10 of them during his time at Miami, and one interception.
The full list of inactives is below
Steelers Inactives
No. 10 WR Roman Wilson
No. 18 QB Will Howard (3rd QB)
No. 20 RB Kaleb Johnson
No. 42 CB James Pierre
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig
No. 73 OG Isaac Seumalo
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt
Lions Inactives
No. 13 FS Jalen Mills
No. 19 WR Dominic Lovett
No. 57 G Trystan Colon
No. 60 C Graham Glasgow
No. 74 G Kayode Awosika
No. 78 DE Tyler Lacy
No. 94 DT Mekhi Wingo
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