The Pittsburgh Steelers shuffled the roster, waiving tackle Gareth Warren with an injury designation to make room for outside linebacker Kenny Willekes, signed earlier. Warren exited Week 2 of the preseason with a concussion evaluation after the loss to Tampa Bay. Warren went undrafted in 2024 out of Lindenwood and signed with the Steelers after rookie minicamp. The club then prepared for a preseason finale against Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Steelers got healthier in key spots: Alex Highsmith returned to practice after a groin issue, Cam Heyward came back to practice after a hold, and Jalen Ramsey was set to make his Steelers debut against the Panthers. The looming matchup with Carolina framed a busy week of evaluation and depth-building for Pittsburgh under coach Mike Tomlin.

Pittsburgh’s Week 1 defense is reimagined around six new starters, with Loudermilk stepping in for Heyward as the anchor up front and a reshaped secondary led by Ramsey, Slay and Thornhill. Watt and Highsmith form the edge duo, while Queen and Wilson patrol the middle, complemented by a retooled back end featuring Porter Jr. and Thornhill. The unit leans on speed and versatility to pressure Zach Wilson and throttle the Jets’ passing game from the start, keeping the scoring ceiling high for fantasy defenses.

The secondary’s youth comes with upside and risk, as Slay, Ramsey and Porter Jr. bring playmaking and length, but their cohesion will be tested early. Thornhill provides range at free safety alongside Elliott at deep safety, creating a flexible, hybrid look on nickel. On the defensive line, Harmon’s debut in the rotation, Benton’s interior presence, and Loudermilk’s length inject disruption behind an upgraded linebacking corps. This group projects as a solid Week 1 fantasy play with a real chance for sacks, turnovers and a stout run stop.

From a fantasy perspective, Week 1 figures to be a grind-the-stats matchup for the Jets, with Pittsburgh's revamped front seven and savvy defensive backs posing frequent challenges. The Steelers’ mix of veteran leadership and youthful athleticism offers a high floor for tackles and a ceiling for big plays, especially with Watt and Highsmith teeing off. The new-look secondary can generate interceptions and pass deflections, heightening fantasy upside in a low-scoring affair.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a bold approach this offseason, making significant roster changes including high-profile free-agent signings and notable trades. However, ESPN's recent rankings position them at No. 19 overall among NFL rosters, indicating skepticism about the effectiveness of these moves in delivering postseason success. The Steelers, known for their defensive prowess, have a strong edge-rushing unit led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, which remains a critical asset despite the mixed reviews.

This ranking reflects a broader concern about whether the revamped lineup will translate into a playoff victory, especially in a highly competitive AFC. While analysts see potential in the team's defensive structure, doubts linger regarding their overall offensive development and ability to perform under pressure. As the season approaches, fantasy managers will need to assess how these changes influence player performance and team strategy.

The countdown is on for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with just 56 days until their matchup against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. This countdown highlights the significance of jersey No. 56, showcasing its rich history and the players who have donned it. Current linebacker Alex Highsmith, who wears this number, is recognized as one of the NFL's most underrated yet dominant pass rushers, playing a crucial role on the Steelers' defense.

Defensive standouts Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig are making waves in the Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker corps, demonstrating skill and versatility that could reshape the team's defensive strategy. Highsmith, a third-round pick in 2020, has consistently improved his game, becoming a crucial element in the Steelers' pass rush. Meanwhile, rookie Nick Herbig has shown great potential, adapting quickly to the league and impressing coaches with his athleticism and awareness on the field.

The duo's performance during pre-season has raised questions about the Steelers' starting linebacker lineup, particularly as they look to complement star T.J. Watt. As both players continue to develop, their chemistry and ability to read plays could be pivotal in the Steelers’ defensive schemes, making them valuable assets for fantasy players looking for emerging stars in the league.