Injuries have hit both sides of the ball hard for Pittsburgh. With Alex Highsmith out with a groin injury until at least Week 7, and Nick Herbig recently suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5, the depth at outside linebacker/edge rusher is looking grim.

While some free agency signings are expected, Mike Tomlin is more focused on inspiring the next group of practice squad members who can earn their way onto the game day roster.

One such practice squad member, outside linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji, shared that Tomlin has offered motivating words to the group: "We’re not just here to stay on the practice squad. We’re here to try and get up and play."

A team that preaches accountability from its practice squad to its starters is a team fans can take pride in. However, Tomlin’s ‘encouraging’ words will need to carry more weight, as the Steelers, coming off back-to-back losses, cannot afford to lose a third game with the AFC North race tightening.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: HC Mike Tomlin offers inspirational wisdom to practice squad