Pittsburgh Steelers lose a position of need after young defender is poached by Carolina Panthers

The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to a win game against the Las Vegas Raiders last week depite being down their top three pass rusher opposite T.J. Watt.

Jeremiah Moon stepped in to replace the trio of Highsmith, Herbig, and Leal, and played very well when you include his huge blocked punt.

But lurking on the practice squad was promising pass rusher Jacoby Windmon, who will now get his chance in live action, but for the Carolina Panthers:

Panthers Poach Jacoby Windmon off Steelers Practice Squad

With injuries stacking up, the Panthers added some reinforcements at linebacker Tuesday.

The team signed outside linebacker Jacoby Windmon off the Steelers practice squad.

The UNLV and Michigan State product was undrafted this year. In 2022 at Michigan State, he led the FBS with six forced fumbles and had 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Darin Gantt, Panthers

For the Steelers, it's a loss that they can handle given the fact that HC Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that he is " really optimistic" regarding the availability of Alex Highsmith ahead of Sunday night's home game against the New York Jets.

It's also good to see that Nick Herbig, who has been ruled out for the Jets game could be back sooner rather than later after escaping the injured reserve, something DeMarvin Leal was unable to do.