Saturday update: Guard Isaac Seumalo has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game

The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts

Linebacker Alex Highsmith has been ruled out with a groin injury, along with running back Jaylen Warren (knee) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee). In addition, guard Isaac Seumalo is doubtful.

With Highsmith out, it will be Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal who will be asked to step up.

Herbig understands he is going to have to be available against the pass, as well as the run. And he is ready for the challenge.

“I think if you want to be an elite player, and play on an elite level, you’ve got to play all three downs,” said Herbig. “That was a big focus for me in camp. Mike T(omlin) talked about it every day, working on the run game.”

Herbig stepped in against the Chargers when Highsmith was injured, finishing the game with two sacks.

It’s par for the course with the way he takes advantage of every snap.

“I think it’s my coaches and teammates, them believing in me, putting me in position to make plays, mentoring me, showing me the ropes,” said Herbig. “It’s a good feeling because you know your hard work is paying off.

“You work all year, all offseason, for moments like that, to be able to go out there and perform.”

His blue-collar approach is one that fits in perfectly with the defense, coming from his upbringing in Kauai, Hawaii, where making it to the NFL wasn’t expected.

“That is how I was raised growing up,” said Herbig. “I was last in everything. I was supposed to be last. I am not supposed to be here. I am from Kauai, Hawaii, 60,000 people in the middle of the ocean.

“I have to have that edge.”

In addition to his work on the defensive line, Leal worked at the outside linebacker spot throughout team development and is expected to add to his role this week.

“He’s athletic and does a great job of being versatile, playing inside and out,” said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. “The thing I think he’s added most to his game is he understands it a lot better. Sometimes you can be a little confused, jump in from out, not understand what’s going on around you. He’s grown in that front where he can play outside, feel comfortable, play inside and move around fluidly.”

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has comfort in what Leal provides, especially seeing his maturity since he first arrived.

“A big thing with him in terms of how he approaches his job and the consistency with which he tries to do his job is a change,” said Austin. “We kind of expected that when we drafted Marv. He was a young guy, 21-year-old guy who is coming in and going to have some growing to do.

“We figured there would be some growing pains along the way. I think his performance at camp and the things we like and saw about it this off-season and everything, is because of his maturity and the things he is starting to do more consistently.”

Being asked to move to an outside rush spot is something that Leal has welcomed, and Austin can see it.

“Marv is a really good athlete and guy,” said Austin. “He’s engaging in this way. He likes to be challenged. I think he feels that is a good challenge. He likes to be able to play inside but also to step out, stand up on two feet and get going outside.

“So, it’s a credit to him. He is a good athlete. He can handle it. I think with Alex down he’ll have an opportunity to really show.”

At running back, Warren continues to be hobbled by the knee injury he suffered against the Chargers last week. When Warren left the game, it was Cordarrelle Patterson who was asked to step up behind Najee Harris.

“C.P. is a future Hall of Famer,” said Harris. “He works in any offense. He is a good player. What he brings to the table is something people have to key in on. He is a good player.”

Even though it’s early in the season, the Steelers have relied heavily on the next man up mentality, including on the offensive line, and Harris said they have to keep that going.

“It’s the next man up. That is the mentality,” said Harris. “Whoever is in there we expect them to do the same as the person who was in there before. It’s 11-on-11, the ultimate team sport.

“We expect you to have that standard. It’s just the next man up mentality. You expect them to go in there and execute the job. Just next man up.”

The Colts ruled out two defensive starters in cornerback Kenny Moore II and defensive end Kwity Paye.

The full injury report is below.