The Steelers are thin at edge rusher
The Pittsburgh Steelers are incredibly banged up, and the injury bug has not been kind to them this season. The offensive line has been eaten alive, with Isaac Seumalo missing the first four games, and both James Daniels and Troy Fautanu gone for the season. Now, it appears the edge rushing unit is getting hit hard.
Alex Highsmith was lost in Pittsburgh’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Nick Herbig stepped in and has played incredible, totaling 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. However, he injured his hamstring against the Cowboys and will be out for the Steelers’ Week 6 matchup with the Raiders. DeMarvin Leal will also be out, meaning Jeremiah Moon will be getting a lot of reps opposite of T.J. Watt. On top of the edge rushers, Cordarrelle Patterson will also be out. Jaylen Warren, Damontae Kazee, and MyCole Pruitt are doubtful.
The Steelers defeated the Raiders in Las Vegas in Week 3 last season. The Raiders pulled Gardner Minshew for Aidan O’Connell in their Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos, so we’ll see who they name the starter for Week 6.