The Pittsburgh Steelers have played their last two games without injured outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Yet, the Steelers' defense has been better with backup Nick Herbig getting more playing time. That's not necessarily a knock against Highsmith, but more of a compliment to Herbig.

With Herbig in the starting lineup, the Steelers are 2-0. They beat the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday in Dublin following a road win over the New England Patriots in Week 3.

Against the Vikings, Herbig had 1 ½ sacks, three quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss. That came after a performance against the Patriots that included one sack, four quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.

Herbig had an interception in the Steelers' loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 and returned it 41 yards. The third-year pro had two tackles for loss in that game after he missed the season opener with a hamstring injury.

Last Sunday marked Herbig's seventh career start. Conversely, Highsmith has been a starter for five seasons and recorded 14 1/2 sacks in 2022.

Highsmith, though, could see his snap count reduced whenever he returns.

"We are not going to limit Nick Herbig," Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said early this week before the Steelers players got four days off because of the bye week. "He is showing up every week. He is disruptive. He's a really good player for us and we're going to continue to find ways to get him on the field."

The Steelers rank 21st in scoring defense, 28th in total defense, and 29th in scoring defense. However, in Herbig's two starts, the Steelers have had 11 sacks and seven takeaways.

Those big plays have Austin believing that better days are ahead for the defense.

"I've said it, I know we hadn't played well early, but I know we have enough good players and that things will start trending in the right direction," Austin said. "I think we took a step forward (against the Vikings) absolutely. But we also know we left a lot out there and there's a lot of room to improve."