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Steelers Star Linebacker Returns to Practice After Injury, Eyes Week 1 Matchup With Jets

PITTSBURGH – September 6, 2025

The Steelers received a major boost on the eve of their season opener as a key linebacker returned to the practice field Friday after recovering from injury, putting him on track to suit up against the New York Jets in Week 1.

After missing the past two weeks of training due to a minor hamstring setback, the linebacker participated fully in team drills, showing no lingering effects and drawing loud cheers from teammates. His return strengthens a Pittsburgh defense that will be tasked with containing Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ revamped offense on Sunday night.

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Coaches had been cautious with his recovery, choosing to prioritize long-term health over rushing him back for preseason reps. But with the regular season here, his presence couldn’t be more timely.

The Steelers’ linebacker room has been tested during camp, with young players taking on extra snaps. Getting a proven playmaker back gives defensive coordinator Teryl Austin more flexibility in blitz packages and coverage assignments.

That linebacker is Nick Herbig, the second-year defender who turned heads as a rookie with his relentless motor and versatility. Now fully healthy, Herbig wasted no time firing up the locker room with his message.

“I’m back with my brothers, stronger than ever after the injury. The time off made me hungrier, and I can’t wait to hit the field and help this defense set the tone. Sunday night, we’ll be ready.” – Nick Herbig

Herbig’s return adds to the buzz already surrounding the Jets matchup, which will see Pittsburgh’s new-look defense face one of the league’s most experienced quarterbacks. For Steelers Nation, his comeback is more than just an injury update — it’s a statement that the Black and Gold are going into Week 1 at full strength.

Panthers Cheerleader Sues a Panthers Player for Harassment by Flirting with Her While Already Married
Can you believe it? A beautiful, talented cheerleader from the Carolina Panthers is "furious" and dragging a team player to court for "unacceptable" actions! Grace Kramer – the TopCats icon – has officially filed a lawsuit, and the story behind it is making NFL fans "boil with rage"! Could this be the "scandal of the century" for the Panthers? Read now for the "steamy" details! Grace Kramer, a professional cheerleader for the American football team Carolina Panthers in the NFL, is a prominent member of the TopCats group. She is a former student at Clemson University, where she participated in the Rally Cats cheer squad. Before that, Grace was a dancer for the NBA and holds a consulting degree from Wake Forest University (WFU). Grace is active on social media, often sharing about games, community activities, and her role as a brand ambassador for the Panthers. As part of the 25-member TopCats team, Grace engages in fan interactions, community events, and performances at Panthers games. She has an Instagram account (@grace_kramer37) with posts about cheer life and a TikTok (@gracekramer_) where she shares videos about game days. Before joining the Panthers, she worked at Darden (related to the restaurant or service industry), proving her versatility and hard work. But the "nightmare" began when Grace got "entangled" with a Panthers player! That's Jake Harlan, a backup offensive tackle who rarely plays for the Panthers – a guy who's practically "unknown" to fans, only appearing sporadically on special teams and never a star. Harlan, 28 years old, has been married since 2022 to his wife, an elementary school teacher, and they have a 2-year-old son. Yet, according to Grace's lawsuit, Harlan has been "flirting" with her blatantly, despite his marital status! The "explosion" happened when Harlan started sending "sweet" messages to Grace via Instagram, complimenting her beauty and talent after performances. At first, Grace thought it was just casual praise from a teammate, but things quickly "escalated" into harassment! Harlan called her in the middle of the night – sometimes at 2-3 a.m. – to "confide" about his personal life, invite her for private coffee dates, and even send "suggestive" photos of himself! Grace stated in the lawsuit: "He knows full well I just want to focus on my work and career, but he won't stop. Those midnight calls scare me and cause insomnia, seriously affecting my mental health!" According to insider sources, Harlan has been "stalking" Grace since the start of the season, frequently showing up at community events she attends, and deliberately "creating opportunities" to approach her. Harlan's wife, upon discovering, was "furious" and even threatened divorce, but the guy still "didn't wake up"! The Panthers are "shaken" by this scandal: The team management has temporarily suspended Harlan for investigation, while fans are divided – one side supports Grace's "strong condemnation," the other suspects it's a "PR stunt." The NFL league is also monitoring closely, which could lead to heavy fines or a playing ban! Grace, with her "goddess" image on TikTok and Instagram, is now becoming a "victim" of harassment – a hot-button issue in the sports world! How will the court handle Harlan? And will the Panthers "clean house" to protect their cheerleaders? Don't miss out – follow now for the next "drama" update! What do you think about this case, comment below!