The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 34-12 in Week 11, with their rookie class seeing varied snap counts and performances. Most rookies played limited roles due to the team's nickel defense against the Bengals' passing offense. Grades ranged from C- to B- based on snap analysis and PFF metrics.
In the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, the rookie class was nearly fully active, with Will Howard serving as the emergency third quarterback after activation from IR. Only seventh-round cornerback Donte Kent remained on IR. The game featured heavy use of nickel defense, limiting overall snaps for the rookies.
Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon played 27 defensive snaps (40.9 percent) and 9 on special teams, earning PFF grades of 65.6 on defense and 60.0 on special teams. He struggled against the run, often misaligning in gap assignments, but generated interior pressure that contributed to Joe Flacco's poor performance. His week 11 grade was C, with a season GPA of 2.71.
Running back Kaleb Johnson saw 8 offensive snaps (12.3 percent) due to Jaylen Warren's injury, with a PFF grade of 40.9 on offense. He had a solid seven-yard run but committed a costly face mask penalty outside the red zone, losing 15 yards. Grade: C-, season GPA: 1.44.
Outside linebacker Jack Sawyer logged 19 defensive snaps (28.8 percent) and 20 on special teams, with PFF grades of 43.1 on defense and 74.9 on special teams. His run defense was inconsistent, but he excelled in pass rush stunts with Nick Herbig. Grade: B-, season GPA: 2.30.
Defensive tackle Yahya Black had 14 defensive snaps (21.2 percent) and 9 on special teams, posting PFF grades of 59.2 on defense and 30.0 on special teams. He focused on eating double teams and made a key run stop. Grade: C-, season GPA: 2.03.
Linebacker Carson Bruener had no defensive snaps but 17 on special teams, with a PFF grade of 52.6. He contributed to tackles without glaring errors. Grade: C-, season GPA: 2.51.