PITTSBURGH The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their Week 15 clash with uncertainty hanging over their defense, as elite pass rusher T.J. Watt remains sidelined following a concerning lung injury. Watt, one of the leagues most dominant forces, was rushed to the hospital for additional scans and assessments after the incident, casting real doubt on his participation not just in this upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins but potentially for the remainder of the season.
The team has already mapped out a contingency plan to fill the void left by Watt. Veteran edge rushers Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are set to slide into the starting roles on the left and right sides of the defensive line, providing a solid foundation of experience and reliability. Yet it is the depth chart that truly sparks intrigue, particularly for fourth round pick Jack Sawyer. Selected in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, the 23 year old has quietly impressed throughout his rookie campaign, blending raw talent with a workmanlike approach. Now, with this unexpected opening, Sawyer stands at the threshold of a defining opportunity to demonstrate his full potential in the pros.
For most first year players on the Steelers, the path to prominence follows a familiar blueprint: limited snaps on defense paired with extensive contributions on special teams. Sawyer has embodied that mold to perfection. According to data from Pro Football Reference, he has participated in 78 percent of the teams special teams plays this season, serving as a reliable cog in coverage and return units. On the defensive side, however, his involvement has been more measured at just 19 percent of total snaps. He has eclipsed the 18 snap mark in defense on only five occasions so far, but coaches are poised to unleash him more freely this weekend. Expectations point to a career high in playing time for the young linebacker, allowing him to test his mettle against a Dolphins offense that relies heavily on quick decisions from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Sawyers statistical footprint remains modest at this stage a single sack stands as his lone highlight in the box score but that solitary takedown carries weight as a preview of his disruptive capabilities. It occurred back in Week 2 during a hard fought loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Positioned as the strong side defensive end in an aggressive six man blitz scheme, Sawyer exploited a momentary lapse in protection. He darted untouched through a narrow gap between teammate Yahya Black and the absent Watt on that play, closing in swiftly to haul down Seahawks signal caller Sam Darnold for the sack. The ease of the path underscored his burst and instincts, qualities that could translate directly into pressure points for Pittsburghs front.
The matchup with Miami adds an intriguing layer, thanks to Tagovailoas southpaw delivery. As a left handed quarterback, his field vision naturally skews toward his strong side, leaving the opposite flank as a potential vulnerability. For Sawyer, that means aligning on what becomes Tagovailoas blind side a textbook setup for a speed rusher like him to generate chaos. If he capitalizes, that second sack of the season could arrive sooner than later, bolstering both his confidence and the Steelers pass rush at a critical juncture.
Beyond his on field exploits, Sawyer has cultivated a genuine connection with the Pittsburgh faithful, a rarity for a newcomer. His pedigree as a national champion from Ohio State immediately resonated in a city that prizes college success and unyielding effort. Layer on his blue collar ethos relentless preparation, no shortcuts and it is little wonder he has emerged as a fan favorite. Steelers Nation, known for its passionate loyalty, has embraced him as one of their own. A commanding performance in South Florida could elevate that affection into full fledged adoration, transforming Sawyer from promising prospect to indispensable asset in the eyes of supporters and analysts alike.
As the Steelers navigate this injury setback, Sawyers ascent represents more than a stopgap measure. It is a testament to the franchises knack for unearthing and nurturing talent, ensuring their defensive identity endures even in adversity. All eyes will be on the rookie Sunday, watching to see if he seizes the moment and etches his name deeper into the teams storied lore.