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WILL GRAVES Sports Writer.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) enters the field for the NFL football game between Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park stadium in Dublin, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.(AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Steelers LB Nick Herbig is morphing from TJ Watt’s protégé into a star in his own right

October 10, 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig is stepping out of the considerable shadow cast by mentor T.J. Watt. Herbig has 2 1/2 sacks and an interception over Pittsburgh’s last three games while filling in for the injured Alex Highsmith. While Highsmith is expected to return for a Week 6 matchup with Cleveland, Herbig has been so productive he will continue to be a regular in the lineup. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Herbig is undersized for an edge rusher by today’s NFL standards. The third-year pro says he’s used to defying expectations, saying he learned the hard way while growing up the youngest of three brothers.

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New York Islanders' Jonathan Drouin (29) celebrates after his goal with Matthew Schaefer (48) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Matthew Schaefer turned 18 last month. The Islanders rookie hardly looked his age in his NHL debut

October 9, 2025

New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer didn’t waste time making a first impression. The 18-year-old top overall pick in June’s draft collected the first point of his career in his NHL debut, a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Islanders coach Patrick Roy praised Schaefer’s performance, saying he looked comfortable and confident on the ice. Schaefer played more than 17 minutes and frequently flashed the dazzling speed that led the Islanders to select him in the first place. Schaefer said there were some early jitters but they quickly went away. Schaefer is hoping for a different result when the Islanders host Washington in their home opener on Saturday.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8), left, and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) stand together before the start of the NFL football game between Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park stadium in Dublin, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.(AP Photo/Ian Walton)

The Steelers spent the offseason building depth. It’s given them a boost during their 3-1 start

October 2, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have relied on plenty of new faces while getting off to a 3-1 start. Pittsburgh spent the offseason adding depth at numerous positions. It’s paid off handsomely in the early weeks, with newcomers like running back Kenneth Gainwell and defensive backs Jalen Ramsey, Jabrill Peppers and Brandin Echols all making an impact. Gainwell ran for a career-high 99 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 4 win over Minnesota while filling in for injured starter Jaylen Warren. Gainwell says he’d like to get the ball more. But he says he would never put his needs above the team’s needs.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Opportunistic Seahawks take advantage of Steelers miscues in 31-17 victory

September 14, 2025

George Holani pounced on a live ball in the end zone for an improbable touchdown, and the Seattle Seahawks took advantage of sloppy play by the Pittsburgh Steelers to pull off a 31-17 surprise. The Seahawks had taken a 3-point lead early in the fourth quarter on Jason Myers’ 54-yard field goal when the ensuing kickoff bounced over the hands of Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson and into the end zone. While Johnson turned his back and walked toward the bench, Holani raced to the end zone and fell on the ball. That was enough for Seattle on a day that Aaron Rodgers struggled. Sam Darnold threw two TD passes for the Seahawks.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is sacked by New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The Steelers know they need to protect Aaron Rodgers better after a ‘sloppy’ performance in opener

September 10, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line has plenty to clean up ahead of a Week 2 visit from Seattle. While Pittsburgh pulled out a 34-32 victory over the New York Jets in the season opener, the line allowed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to be sacked four times. The 41-year-old Rodgers admits he contributed to some of those sacks and acknowledges he wasn’t moving as well as he’d like after sitting out the preseason. Left tackle Broderick Jones, who allowed three sacks, knows he needs to improve. The Steelers are confident Jones can turn things around. They face a tough challenge against the Seahawks’ aggressive defense next week.

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FILE - New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) reacts after a stop during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper, File)

Steelers sign Jabrill Peppers to bolster secondary after DeShon Elliott’s injury

September 9, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran safety Jabrill Peppers as DeShon Elliott recovers from a knee injury. Coach Mike Tomlin announced the move on Tuesday. Peppers, recently cut by New England, brings versatility and special teams skills. The Steelers, who beat the New York Jets in their opener, host Seattle on Sunday. Tomlin hasn’t ruled out Peppers playing soon. Elliott’s absence leaves a gap in communication for the revamped secondary. Despite giving up 394 yards to the Jets, the Steelers’ defense made key stops to secure the win. Tomlin emphasized resilience, saying, “You win some battles, you lose some battles.”

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Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he stands on second base after hitting a double off Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mike Burrows during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, fighting an illness, has 2 hits after opting not to pitch vs. Pirates

September 3, 2025

Shohei Ohtani’s next start on the mound is uncertain as he deals with a lingering illness. The Los Angeles Dodgers star skipped his turn in the rotation on Wednesday night against Pittsburgh. Manager Dave Roberts has not set a date for Ohtani’s return to pitching. Ohtani managed to play and had two hits in a 3-0 loss. He has been dealing with a deep cough but continues to contribute on the field. All-Star catcher Will Smith also exited the game with a hand contusion. The Dodgers have lost four of their last five games.

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Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan during the first inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pirates shut out the Dodgers as Ohtani skips scheduled start on the mound due to illness

September 3, 2025

Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds homered to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Emmett Sheehan started for the Dodgers after Los Angeles opted to have Shohei Ohtani skip his scheduled start while dealing with an illness. Ohtani remained in the lineup and had two hits. Five Pirate pitchers combined for the team’s MLB-leading 17th shutout of the season. Mike Burrows earned the win, and Dennis Santana secured his 13th save. The Dodgers left 10 men on base and lost for the fourth time in five games.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneer,s Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Aaron Rodgers brushes off revenge narrative ahead of Steelers’ season opener against Jets

September 3, 2025

New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he’s happy to be playing football this weekend. The fact that it’s against the New York Jets just happens to be a coincidence. Rodgers signed with the Steelers in June and is excited about the new chapter. The 41-year-old hasn’t played since leading the Jets to a win over Miami in January to end the regular season. Rodgers is confident in Pittsburgh’s revamped offense, which includes new additions such as DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith. He praises the team’s tight ends as the best he’s worked with.

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FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren quarterback Will Howard throws a pass during the NFL football team's training camp in Latrobe, Pa., July 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Steelers sign running back Jaylen Warren, a former undrafted rookie, to a 3-year extension

September 1, 2025

Running back Jaylen Warren has signed a three-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, solidifying his status as a key player. Warren joined the team in 2022 as an undrafted rookie. He has risen from a practice squad hopeful to the first string after the Steelers let former first-round pick Najee Harris leave in free agency. Warren has impressed with his physicality and versatility, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He remains motivated, acknowledging doubters but focusing on his role. Warren’s journey from junior college to the NFL serves as an inspiration to others.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler delivers during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler makes history during electric, efficient major league debut

August 22, 2025

Bubba Chandler has made an impressive major league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 22-year-old right-hander, considered the top pitching prospect in baseball, threw four scoreless innings in relief and earned the save in a 9-0 win over Colorado on Friday night. Chandler was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier in the day. He entered the game in the sixth inning after Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft allowed just one hit over five innings. Chandler’s first pitch was a 99 mph fastball. He struck out three batters and allowed only two hits. The Pirates plan to use Chandler in a relief role for now.

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FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler delivers in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Pirates are going to call up Bubba Chandler, baseball’s top pitching prospect

August 20, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have decided to promote 22-year-old right-hander Bubba Chandler ahead of their game Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Chandler is baseball’s top pitching prospect. Pirates manager Don Kelly said he’s excited to add Chandler to a staff that already includes 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Chandler is expected to initially work in a bulk bullpen role. He got off to a hot start in Triple-A this year, but has stumbled lately and is currently 5-6 with a 4.05 ERA in 100 innings pitched this year for Indianapolis.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Pirates ace Paul Skenes is having a Cy Young-worthy season everywhere but the win-loss column

August 18, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is putting together a Cy Young-worthy season everywhere but in the win-loss column. The 23-year-old Skenes’ record still sits at 7-9 following a no-decision in Pittsburgh’s 5-2 win over Toronto. Skenes has recorded a no-decision 10 times this season. He’s allowed two runs or less in nine of those games. Skenes says he doesn’t get caught up in his win total as long as the Pirates have more runs than the opponents at the end of every game he plays.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater watches during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Teddy Bridgewater is hoping to make the best of his NFL return amid high school coaching suspension

August 15, 2025

Teddy Bridgewater is back in the NFL, just a little earlier than the well-traveled quarterback would have preferred. Bridgewater’s initial plan this season was to coach Northwestern High School in Miami this fall, then explore his options of returning to the league as he did a year ago when he led the Bulls to a state title and signed as a backup in Detroit. Instead, Bridgewater was suspended from coaching for self-reporting potentially impermissible benefits to Northwestern players. The 32-year-old Bridgewater still keeps in touch with the high school team but is also happy to be in Tampa Bay, where he brings a veteran presence to a quarterback room led by Baker Mayfield.

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Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington speaks during a baseball news conference in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, July 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Pirates GM Cherington believes deadline moves create options for 2026. In what way is uncertain

August 1, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington believes the team’s moves at the trade deadline created flexibility going into 2026. The Pirates sent away third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, closer David Bednar and starting pitcher Bailey Falter in exchange for prospects. Cherington says the team will use the next two months to provide opportunities for younger players and will explore adding a veteran bat through trade or free agency during the offseason. Pittsburgh is in last in the NL Central despite a strong pitching staff led by Cy Young candidate Paul Skenes.

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Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes catches a line drive hit by San Francisco Giants' Wilmer Flores during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Pirates send 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes to Reds for reliever Taylor Rogers, a prospect and cash

July 30, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Gold Glove-winning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash. The 28-year-old Hayes gives the Reds an elite defender at the hot corner who is under contract for the rest of the decade. The 20-year-old Stafura, a second-round pick by the Reds in 2023, is considered one of the better prospects in Cincinnati’s system.

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FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates his sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

The Pittsburgh Steelers make star linebacker T.J. Watt the NFL’s highest-paid defender

July 17, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made star outside linebacker T.J. Watt the NFL’s highest-paid defender. A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that Watt has agreed to a three-year pact that will average $41 million annually. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been made public.  Watt, who was entering the final season of the four-year extension he signed in 2021, skipped organized team activities and mandatory minicamp to put pressure on the Steelers’ front office for a new contract.

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Thriston Lawrence, of South Africa, lines up a putt on the 12th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Friday, June 13, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

At the US Open, golf’s toughest test starts with two (or three) of its longest days

June 13, 2025

There’s no such thing as a quick 18 holes at the U.S. Open, particularly when it’s at Oakmont. Players needed more than 5 1/2 hours or more to get through each of the opening two rounds, much slower than what they might find at a regular tour stop. Oakmont’s daunting layout is part of the issue. The difficulty of the course doesn’t help. Viktor Hovland, who will head into the weekend in contention, tried to see the silver lining. Hovland said the lengthy wait between shots helped him to mentally reset after a difficult hole or a poor shot.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, right, talks with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during practice at NFL football minicamp in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

It didn’t take DK Metcalf long to show the Steelers what they’re getting in their new wide receiver

June 11, 2025

New Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is quickly making an impression. Metcalf nearly chased down safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on an interception return during the first day of minicamp. The play echoed Metcalf’s memorable 90-yard sprint to tackle Arizona’s Budda Baker five years ago. Metcalf says it doesn’t matter this it was only practice, running after a defender who gets his hands on the ball is part of the job. Metcalf is the unquestioned leader of Pittsburgh’s mostly young wide receiver group. The 27-year-old says he plans to lead by example but also considers himself an “open book” to more inexperienced players such as Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks on during practice at NFL football minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play in Pittsburgh this season was ‘best for my soul’

June 10, 2025

Aaron Rodgers says his decision to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers is centered on his love for the game. The four-time NFL MVP signed a one-year deal to join the Steelers earlier this month and joined his new teammates on the field for the opening day of minicamp. The 41-year-old Rodgers spent most of his time getting to know his surroundings, but head coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers is the team’s starting quarterback. Rodgers said the decision to come back for a 21st season was not driven by ego but what was best for his soul.

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FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers first round draft pick linebacker T.J. Watt participates in a drill during an NFL football rookie minicamp, May 12, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, file)

Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt skips the start of mandatory minicamp

June 10, 2025

Aaron Rodgers is ready to take the practice field for the Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. Watt is not. The star outside linebacker is skipping the start of mandatory minicamp. Watt likely is eyeing a new deal as he enters the final year of his current contract. The four-time All-Pro and 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year extension in September 2021 that was scheduled to pay him $112 million and made him the highest-paid defender in the league at the time. Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett now holds that honor after signing a deal worth $40 million a season in March.

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New York Rangers assistant coach Dan Muse, right, watches during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker File)

Penguins hire Rangers assistant Dan Muse to replace Mike Sullivan as coach

June 4, 2025

Dan Muse is the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins hired the former New York Rangers assistant and tasked him with helping the franchise navigate a rebuild during the twilight of longtime captain Sidney Crosby’s career. Muse replaces Mike Sullivan. Sullivan and the Penguins split in April after a nearly decade-long tenure that included a pair of Stanley Cup titles. The Rangers scooped up Sullivan, naming him their coach in May. The 42-year-old Muse was hired after a monthlong search by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas. Muse’s hiring leaves the Boston Bruins as the last of eight teams with offseason head coaching vacancies.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throws a pass during NFL football practice in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Despite the ‘constant noise’ surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph happy to be back in Pittsburgh

May 27, 2025

Mason Rudolph says he’s focused on being the best quarterback he can for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and not the club’s pursuit of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal in March. At the moment, he is also the most experienced quarterback on the roster. That would change if Rodgers signs. Rudolph says he’s learned during his career that there’s always noise surrounding a team and that he can only control what he can control.

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Pittsburgh, Friday, May 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pirates ace Paul Skenes on the idea the last-place club should trade him: ‘Anybody can play GM’

May 24, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes says he’s not paying attention to the suggestion that the club should trade him. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year says he laughed when someone told him that someone asked Pirates general manager Ben Cherington if the club would consider moving on from Skenes to bolster its prospect pool. The 22-year-old Skenes says he brushed the speculation off, adding that ‘anybody can play GM.’ Cherington said trading Skenes is ‘not part of the conversation’ for the last-place club. Skenes is 3-5 with a 2.36 ERA in 11 starts this season for Pittsburgh and pitched six solid innings in what became a 6-5 victory over Milwaukee.

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Pirates GM Ben Cherington says trading ace Paul Skenes is ‘not at all part of the conversation’

May 22, 2025

The last-place Pittsburgh Pirates have no interest in trading young ace Paul Skenes. General manager Ben Cherington says moving the 22-year-old Skenes is “not part of the conversation at all.” The Pirates are already 11 games out of playoff position before Memorial Day thanks in large part to an offense that ranks near the bottom of the majors in nearly every major category. While the Pirates have a deep pool of pitching prospects, they are lacking in quality young position players in the minors. Trading Skenes might help, but Cherington says that discussion is a non-starter. The reigning National League Rookie of the Year is 3-5 with a 2.44 ERA in 2025.

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