**Next man up:** With defensive tackle Derrick Harmon landing on the Reserve/Injured List on Monday, there was one message sent to the defensive line room on Tuesday morning.
It's about the next man up.
One player who could find himself on that list of being asked to step up is rookie Gabriel Rubio.
Rubio, who was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has yet to make his NFL debut, inactive for the first four games of the season.
Whether that changes this week has yet to be determined, but Rubio is ready for whatever is asked.
"The coaches will make the decision for who's the best candidate and everything," said Rubio. "We were told in our meetings earlier that it's the next man up mentality.
"We're taking that to heart."
And if he is the next man up, is he ready?
"I feel very ready," said Rubio. "Waiting the past four games for the opportunity to go out and show out."
While he hasn't been playing, Rubio has been using his time to study, learn and pick up on all of the little details so that when the opportunity does arise there will be no hesitation.
"Whatever reps that you get in practice, you've got to go full speed like they are game reps," said Rubio. "Then be mentally ready. Listen to the older guys. Take into account what they're saying about teams from week to week.
"Then, whenever it's game time, mentally be there as if you are playing."
Rubio has been paying close attention to his teammates, watching their approach every week, as he is trying to pick up all of the small details.
He also has been mentally putting himself into situations so when it comes to game play, he will be ready to react.
"Just from watching, the level of play that the older guys do specifically Cam (Heyward) and Harm (Harmon) is extraordinary. The way that they violently move to the ball all the time is something that you need to learn and take after.
"I constantly envision myself in on the plays, whatever the calls are after the game, before the game. We have lists and everything of our ready sheets. And I visualize myself in the position that I most likely would be in and then making the play."