The Pittsburgh Steelers have had to rely on third-year reserve lineman Chris Hubbard over the course of the last three weeks due to a mid-foot injury to right tackle Marcus Gilbert, and over that span of time, the former undrafted free agent has played at the highest level that he ever has in his career.
That is not to say that he is about to render Gilbert and his hefty contract into a reserve swing tackle any time soon—the sixth-year starter fully intends to re-enter the starting lineup against the Ravens, by the way—but credit belongs where it is due, and Hubbard stepped up, including against the Patriots, even if he drew a crushing holding penalty under dubious circumstances.