The Pittsburgh Steelers' ambitious plan to utilize a three-outside linebacker strategy featuring T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig may face significant challenges. While the team's intention is clear, the health concerns surrounding these key players could potentially derail their strategy.
The Steelers' strategy relies on the availability and impact of these three EDGE rushers. However, their injury histories paint a different picture. Watt, despite his exceptional talent, has struggled with injuries, including a collapsed lung and various musculoskeletal issues. Highsmith, another cornerstone of the defense, has been plagued by soft tissue injuries, missing significant time in recent seasons. Herbig, too, has faced his fair share of setbacks, playing in fewer than 17 games in each of his three seasons with the team.
The Steelers' plan to utilize all three players together on the field has been hampered by their collective injury history. In the 2025 season, they shared the field for just eight games, and even then, their time together was limited to 37 snaps, less than 3% of the total. This highlights the difficulty in maintaining consistency and cohesion in their defensive strategy.
The Steelers' coaching staff will need to adapt and innovate to address these challenges. They must find ways to mitigate the impact of injuries and maximize the potential of their players. While the team's goal remains the same, the reality of managing a defensive unit with such a high-risk injury profile is a complex and ongoing challenge. The Steelers' success in this endeavor will ultimately depend on their ability to overcome these health concerns and maintain a consistent and effective defensive strategy.
