The Steelers head into today's game against the New England Patriots without multiple key players on defense, with safety DeShon Elliott, linebacker Alex Highsmith and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. all ruled out due to injuries.
There is good news, though.
Rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, the Steelers No. 1 pick this year, is active for the first time this season.
"It will be awesome if we get him this week," said linebacker T.J. Watt on Friday. "Just a guy who is physical, plays fast, gets up field, gets penetration in the run and the pass game. It would be huge if we got him this week."
With Highsmith out, linebackers Nick Herbig and rookie Jack Sawyer will be asked to step up.
Sawyer said he is looking forward to the opportunity.
"I think for me it's just going about my business as I do every week and being ready for anything," said Sawyer. "And whenever my number is called to go out there and play the best I can, help this team win and be successful.
"So, I'm praying Alex gets back healthy soon. I'm just trying to be ready. So, whenever my number is called, I can step in there and there's no drop off because he's an exceptional player."
Sawyer was in on 26 defensive snaps against Seattle last Sunday and if more is asked of him this week, he will be prepared.
"Alex is one of the best players in the league," reiterated Sawyer. "And it doesn't change my approach. I'm just going about every way I can to help this team win. Whenever my number is called, just try to be out there and do my job to the best of my ability."
Highsmith was injured in the first quarter against Seattle, requiring some in-game adjustments. Sawyer said you just have to rely on your preparation when that does happen.
"It just falls back to your training, what you've done leading up to the week preparing," said Sawyer. "It's always having that mindset of stay ready so when your number is called you are able to get in there and help the team.
"There is no drop-off. For me, that's how I try to go about it, and that's how I'm going to continue to go at it."
Herbig knows whatever is asked of anyone on defense, they have to deliver.
"The standard is the standard, like Mike T(omlin) always says," said Herbig. "It's just keeping that standard of play up. Keeping that elite level of play that Alex brings to our team, our defense.
"That's on us."
The team also elevated running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad to the Active/Inactive roster for the game.
Sermon was signed following a tryout during the Steelers rookie minicamp this year, but brought experience with him.
Sermon appeared in 42 games, starting five, over four seasons. He carried the ball 134 times for 505 yards and three touchdowns. He spent the last two years with the Indianapolis Colts, appearing in 31 games, with three starts. He had 91 carries for 319 yards and two touchdowns
He spent the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles and 2021 with the San Francisco 49ers.
The full list of inactives is below.
Steelers Inactives
No. 24 CB Joey Porter Jr.
No. 25 S DeShon Elliott
No. 56 LB Alex Highsmith
No. 71 G Andrus Peat
No. 93 DE Esezi Otomewo
Patriots Inactives
No. 0 CB Christian Gonzalez
No. 16 QB Tommy DeVito (3rd QB)
No. 55 DT Eric Gregory
No. 70 G Caedan Wallace
No. 86 WR Efton Chism III
No. 99 OLB Keion White
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