Teresa Varley
Saturday Update: Linebacker Nick Herbig has been downgraded to out.
Friday Story: The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, practicing inside at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, cornerback James Pierre and guard Isaac Seumalo have all been ruled out, while linebacker Nick Herbig was ruled out on Saturday.
With Watt and Herbig dealing with their issues, it could 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."
Long snapper Christian Kuntz showed up on the injury report on Thursday with a knee injury, and on Friday the team signed former University of Pittsburgh long snapper Cal Adomitis to the practice squad.
Adomitis, who is from Pittsburgh and also played at Central Catholic High School, was last with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in nine games for them this season.
He originally signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, playing 49 games with them.
The full injury and status report is below
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 16
Game Status
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Calf) - Out
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Out
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - Out
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - Out
Friday, December 19
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek (Illness/Hand) - Full
No. 29 S Kyle Dugger (NIR - Personal) - DNP
No. 40 S Jabrill Peppers (Illness) - Full
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Calf) - DNP
No. 46 LS Christian Kuntz (Knee) - Limited
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 54 C Zach Frazier (Triceps) - Limited
No. 71 OL Andrus Peat (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - DNP
No. 95 DT Keeanu Benton (Ankle) - Full
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (NIR - Rest) - Full
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - Full
Thursday, December 18
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek (Illness/Hand) - Limited
No. 40 S Jabrill Peppers (Illness) - DNP
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Calf) - DNP
No. 46 LS Christian Kuntz (Knee) - Limited
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - DNP
No. 54 C Zach Frazier (Triceps) - DNP
No. 71 OL Andrus Peat (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - DNP
No. 95 DT Keeanu Benton (Ankle) - Limited
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - Full
Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 16
Wednesday, December 17
No. 8 QB Aaron Rodgers (Left Wrist) - Full
No. 15 WR Ben Skowronek (Illness/Hand) - Limited
No. 42 CB James Pierre (Calf) - DNP
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - DNP
No. 71 OL Andrus Peat (Concussion) - Limited
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Triceps) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (Lung) - DNP
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - Full
Detroit Lions Participation/Injury Report, Week 16
Game Status
No. 68 T Taylor Decker (Shoulder/Rest) - Questionable
No. 31 S Kerby Joseph (Knee) - Out
No. 57 OL Trystan Colon (Wrist) - Questionable
* No. 59 T Giovanni Manu (Knee) - Out
No. 21 DB Amik Robertson (Hand) - Questionable
No. 73 G Christian Mahogany (Fibula) - Questionable
No. 60 C Graham Glasgow (Knee) - Questionable
Friday. December 19
No. 60 C Graham Glasgow (Knee) - DNP
No. 31 S Kerby Joseph (Knee) - DNP
No. 57 OL Trystan Colon (Wrist) - Limited
No. 68 T Taylor Decker (Shoulder/Rest) - DNP
* No. 59 T Giovanni Manu (Knee) - Limited
No. 21 DB Amik Robertson (Hand) - Limited
No. 74 G Kayode Awosika (Foot) - Full
No. 12 S Thomas Harper (Concussion) - Full
No. 73 G Christian Mahogany (Fibula) - Limited
No. 33 RB Sione Vaki (Thumb) - Full
* IR Designated to return window
Thursday, December 18
No. 60 C Graham Glasgow (Knee) - DNP
No. 31 S Kerby Joseph (Knee) - DNP
No. 57 OL Trystan Colon (Wrist) - Limited
No. 68 T Taylor Decker (Shoulder) - Limited
* No. 59 T Giovanni Manu (Knee) - Limited
No. 21 DB Amik Robertson (Hand) - Limited
No. 74 G Kayode Awosika (Foot) - Full
No. 12 S Thomas Harper (Concussion) - Full
No. 73 G Christian Mahogany (Fibula) - Full
No. 33 RB Sione Vaki (Thumb) - Full
* IR Designated to return window
Wednesday, December 17
No. 68 T Taylor Decker (Shoulder) - DNP
No. 31 S Kerby Joseph (Knee) - DNP
No. 57 OL Trystan Colon (Wrist) - Limited
* No. 59 T Giovanni Manu (Knee) - Limited
No. 21 DB Amik Robertson (Hand) - Limited
No. 33 RB Sione Vaki (Thumb) - Limited
No. 74 G Kayode Awosika (Foot) - Full
No. 12 S Thomas Harper (Concussion) - Full
No. 73 G Christian Mahogany (Fibula) - Full
* IR Designated to return window
** The Lions conducted a walk-through on Wednesday. Practice participation designations for that day are based on estimations
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