Pittsburgh’s edge rushers have shown a high ceiling and a few health bumps through four games. Watt surged in Weeks 3–4 with three sacks, 10 tackles, and big-impact plays, silencing early-season concerns. Highsmith started strong in Weeks 1–2 before an ankle sprain sidelined him, leaving the door open for Herbig’s breakout run. Rookie Jack Sawyer has steadied the run and contributed in bursts as the group navigates a crowded room. The evolving rotation shapes both real-world defense and fantasy upside for the rest of 2025.

As the Steelers head into the bye, the combination of Watt’s elite talent, Herbig’s surge, Sawyer’s situational contributions, and Highsmith’s return will determine sack floors and leverage in upcoming matchups. Expect Pittsburgh to lean on a flexible, multi-weapon approach that can spike sack totals in favorable downs and create consistent tackle floors for IDP and fantasy units.

Pittsburgh added Jack Sawyer in the fourth round, and the Ohio State rookie has flashed in a limited role. In four games and 65 snaps, he’s tallied 14 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 3 pressures, and 4 stops. PFF ranks him 15th among rookies with a 72.9 grade and a 14.3% win rate on 28 rush attempts, flagging his early promise as a potential rotational asset and future starter.

With Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig anchoring the edge, Sawyer’s emergence could unlock more sub-packages and lift Pittsburgh’s pass‑rush ceiling. A larger role this season would boost fantasy value in dynasties and offer late-season redraft upside if the young defender continues to develop.

In Dublin, Vikings inactives include Donovan Jackson, J.J. McCarthy, Desmond Ridder (emergency QB), Walter Rouse, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Ben Yurosek. Cam Akers is elevated to active roster for the second time, with Max Brosmer backing Carson Wentz. Steelers’ inactives are Alex Highsmith, Esezi Otemewo, Andrus Peat, Joey Porter Jr., and Jaylen Warren, whose late knee issue robs Pittsburgh of a key playmaker early. Kickoff is set for 8:00 AM Central.

The day shapes up as a test of depth for both teams: Akers’ return gives Minnesota a fresh backfield option behind Wentz, while Pittsburgh must navigate without Warren and Highsmith. Fantasy managers will want to watch how the snaps and game plan unfold as backups step into bigger roles.

With these lineups, projection chatter centers on Akers’ workload in Minnesota and the Steelers’ backfield and pass-game adjustments without Warren. Stay tuned for our in-game discussion thread as teams prepare for kickoff in Dublin.

The Week 4 Ireland showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings tests fantasy rosters with an injury-heavy slate. Steelers players listed as questionable or out include Porter Jr. (hamstring), Warren (knee), and Highsmith (out), while Vikings ruled out McCarthy (ankle), Van Ginkel (neck), Donovan Jackson (wrist), and Ben Yurosek (knee).

Minnesota leads the all-time series 10-8, and the clash at Croke Park (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network; NFL+ Premium streaming) adds a unique fantasy storytelling angle as depth players step into bigger roles. Stay tuned for injury updates and depth-chart shifts that will shape Week 4 lineups and streaming decisions.

Follow The Steelers Wire for up-to-the-minute coverage and practical fantasy angles as rosters adjust ahead of kickoff in Dublin.