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.

The Steelers sit at 3-1 after four games and a bye week, with four clear questions shaping their second half. Freiermuth needs a bigger role in the passing game, while the running back depth chart must settle between Warren and Gainwell. A strategic WR addition could be on the agenda if the aerial attack stalls, and Nick Herbig deserves the chance to start opposite TJ Watt to maximize pressure.

If these moves click, Pittsburgh can maintain its division edge and momentum through a demanding 13-game stretch, even as the health of Calvin Austin III and the line’s performance influence how aggressively they chase upgrades and lineup tweaks.

The Steelers’ WR depth takes a hit with Calvin Austin III out, forcing an in‑house reshuffle that could redefine weekly target distribution. Scotty Miller looms as the immediate option, while Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith become the safer, high‑floor targets in a pitifully thin group. Odell Beckham Jr. or Diontae Johnson would barely shift the math, and Curtis Samuel is more speculative trade chatter than a fantasy staple. Pittsburgh leans on internal options and the draft picks, making Miller and Freiermuth the clear fantasy anchors going forward.

Fantasy managers should recalibrate expectations around the Steelers’ passing game, gaming around Miller’s volatility and Freiermuth’s dependable floor. If Samuel or a surprise veteran like Wilson surfaces, they offer speculative upside, but the safe path remains: prioritize Miller and Freiermuth, monitor the waiver wire, and avoid overpaying for potential one‑off additions until Pittsburgh proves its depth can sustain sustained fantasy value.

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.