TJ not there, Herbig loving running with starters

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For two years, he's watched, followed around, asked questions and picked the brain of TJ Watt. Now with Watt not at the start of Steelers voluntary workouts, it is Nick Herbig being peppered with questions and giving out advice.

You can tell it is kind of odd and cool at the same time now for Herbig as rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer is bending the ear of a former Big 10 opponent.

"I wouldn't call myself a vet," Herbig said after the second Steelers OTA Wednesday. "But just being an older guy, being in the league longer. It's kind of like a full circle moment."

"I feel like I was a rookie yesterday and now I'm going on Year 3 and I got rookies asking me questions. I remember when I was in that position and I'm asking TJ and Alex."

"Just being able to pass that knowledge along. There has been a long line of outside linebackers and D-linemen here. So just being able to make that tradition going and keep that culture alive."

We don't know why Watt hasn't been at OTAs, whether it's his contract, being home with a new child or whatever. He's missed some of these practices before. What it does is give Herbig are unique opportunities he couldn't get if the Pro Bowler were in attendance.

"I would love to have TJ here," Herbig said. "That's my guy, but any chance I get to run with the ones, that's an awesome feeling. I feel like I prepare every day like that. I prepare to be a starter. You never know when your number is going to be called. In this league, you don't want to miss your shot, miss your opportunity. You got to stay ready."

The 23-year-old has shown flashes. Last year playing 50% of the defensive snaps, Herbig had four forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits with 22 tackles in 13 games (five starts). Herbig said any extra reps with Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Patrick Queen and others allows him to take another step forward.

He's also trying not to work hard every day. What he means by that is learning about his body and finding a balance between the highs and lows. The importance of time off especially after a day where he might practice and lift. Its being on top of his body and on top of his mental health.

Those lessons are best learned right now with his teammates. And it's in a way an advantage for him to have to learn it without Watt.

"I think just being here with my teammates," Herbig said. "Getting the camaraderie, learning new things, because we are always putting in new plays and new techniques. I'm still learning a lot from Alex, Coach Martin, Coach Dunbar. I think regardless, it's a great time."

Even if his mentor TJ isn't there.