The shock of standout outside linebacker T.J. Watt having surgery on Thursday should wear off by the time the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Miami Dolphins on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium.
The reality is that the Steelers must find a way to replace Watt, a four-time All-Pro who has made 56 consecutive starts. Defensive tackle Cam Heyward believes Alex Highsmith can step up to lead the linebacker corps. Highsmith starts opposite Watt at right outside linebacker.
"Alex is one of those players that can play run and pass," Heyward said. "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."
Heyward was referring to reserve linebackers Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer. Herbig has made four starts this season and has 6 ½ sacks, 12 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one interception while recovering a fumble for a touchdown. Sawyer, a rookie, has one sack, one interception, and two tackles for loss.
Herbig said it is time for the linebackers to turn Watt’s teachings into action with their leader sidelined.
"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 said.
Sawyer has shown steady improvement. He was drafted in the fourth round after helping Ohio State win the national championship last year.
"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."
The Steelers should have extra motivation for Monday night’s game by trying to win one for Watt.
"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,” Herbig said. “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."