PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Three from the rookie class are out due to injury, but four others could make an impact in their debuts with one potentially starting Sunday in New Jersey.
First-rounder Derrick Harmon was locked in as a starter right after the draft, but he is one of the three missing meaning fifth-round rookie Yahya Black could take his place. The defensive tackle had a strong preseason, taking advantage of a number of snaps with Cam Heyward not playing.
“I think he's had some early success because he's a huge individual and he's strong and he uses his hands,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. “I think, when you're an interior guy that has that type of size and length, when you use your hands and you're powerful, you can get rid of blocks, put off of blocks, you make yourself available to make plays.”
“When you're looking at him as an early, developing player, you see some of those traits. Big, strong, with hands and has the ability to develop. I think he's going to be really, really fine player in this league for a long time.”
“Just get the reps when you get the chance,” Black said. “When you are out there, play to your best ability.”
“I have the confidence. I was brought in for a reason. The confidence is there, can’t let it lack.”
RB Kaleb Johnson
The first offensive player the Steelers drafted this year. A record-setter with Iowa, he won’t start but said he’s grown a lot from the first preseason game to now. He understands that every detail matters and sees how that impacts his play. Coaches and teammates have been impressed with his work ethic and he’ll have the chance to win more reps. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said its going to be a week-to-week and in-game decisions as to how they use the tailbacks.
“It’s going to be a great feeling with the guys,” Johnson said of his first game. “It’s going to be a first-time experience, I’m really excited about that.”
He added whenever that shot comes, it’s up to him to be ready for it and take advantage of it.
OLB Jack Sawyer
Special teams is likely where he will see his first snaps. Sawyer has worked a lot on kick units along with getting a ton of preseason reps at outside linebacker. A lot of those reps came because of resting TJ Watt, plus Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig were dealing with injuries.
“I feel good,” Sawyer said. “I feel like I’ve taken the steps every day to prepare myself so when I go out there on Sunday all I got to do is go out there and play as hard as I can. Know my job assignment on every play and go out there and let it fly.”
Herbig has only just started going through limited practices, so even if he plays-likely he’s not getting full reps, leading to more time for the rookie.
LB Carson Bruener
Special teams captain Miles Killebrew said Bruener is going to be a special player on special teams. He said he is trusting his abilities, and it allowed the team to part with fourth-year linebacker Mark Robinson.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy being a seventh-round pick, nothing is guaranteed,” Bruener said. “I felt like I had a big target on my back because of my last name and that pressure. I did the same thing (at the University of Washington) coming in after my dad. I took that pressure and ran with it. Obviously, I got here because of that.”