Category: Alex Highsmith

Alex Highsmith confident Steelers can bounce back heading into Week 18

Steelers ROLB Alex Highsmith sees Week 18 as the perfect chance to bounce back against the Bengals after a rough losing streak.

Morale is at an all-time low for the Pittsburgh Steelers following three consecutive losses during the ’10-day stretch of doom’ that saw the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs soundly defeat the Steel City’s beloved Black and Gold.

However, Steelers ROLB Alex Highsmith isn’t lacking confidence and believes it is just a matter of time before Pittsburgh returns to the winning ways displayed earlier in the season.

The Steelers edge rusher spoke with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, and argued that Week 18’s matchup—a divisional showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals—is the perfect opportunity to showcase what the Steelers are truly capable of. To make this return to form a reality, Highsmith believes the recipe for success is simple: “We’ve just got to put our heads down and work.”

The Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of earning a playoff berth and could look to pull out all the stops with their electrifying offense led by QB Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase. Fans can tune into the action-packed divisional contest on January 4th at 5:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Mike Tomlin gets giddy about return of EDGE Alex Highsmith vs Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin lit up when asked about Alex Highsmith’s return for Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

During his weekly press conference, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin lit up when asked about Alex Highsmith’s expected return for the critical Cleveland Browns matchup.

It’s pretty exciting, isn’t it? … I’m so excited about the potential of getting Alex Highsmith back and the development of [Nick] Herbig, the acclimation of Preston [Smith].

Highsmith sustained a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders. While pressuring quarterback Jayden Daniels, Highsmith stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing his ankle to twist awkwardly. He fell to the ground in pain and required assistance leaving the field. Post-game, Highsmith was seen using crutches, indicating the injury’s severity.

This setback follows Highsmith’s earlier three-game absence due to a groin injury. In his absence, the Steelers relied on Nick Herbig and recently acquired Preston Smith to fill the void. Don’t expect any changes there.

We can’t run out of rushman particularly in December and so it’s exciting. Make no mistake there’s enough work for all parties involved and we’re excited about sorting that out as we prepare.

The Steelers’ pass-rush unit should be 100% as they welcome the Browns in their fourth-consecutive AFC North battle this Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Is Alex Highsmith playing today? Injury updates for the Steelers’ EDGE

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith is still dealing with an ankle injury. Here are the latest updates.

In the fourth quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, pass-rusher Alex Highsmith sustained a left ankle injury. While pressuring quarterback Jayden Daniels, Highsmith stepped on Daniels’ foot, causing his ankle to twist awkwardly. He fell to the ground in pain and required assistance leaving the field. Post-game, Highsmith was seen using crutches, indicating the injury’s severity.

This setback follows Highsmith’s earlier three-game absence due to a groin injury. In his absence, the Steelers plan to rely on Nick Herbig and recently acquired Preston Smith to fill the void.

Alex Highsmith injury update

There was a glimmer of hope that Highsmith would be back on the field this Sunday after participating in Thursday and Friday practice, though in a limited capacity.

“We got Alex Highsmith leaning in on a return,” Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference. “We’ll let his participation and the quality of that participation be our guide in terms of whether he gets back in or what degree he gets back in.”

Unfortunately, what Tomlin saw wasn’t quality enough, and Highsmith was ruled out for the third consecutive game.

How long will Alex Highsmith be out?

It appears Highsmith is inching closer to playing. Barring a setback, expect him to be ready for Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

Steelers outside linebacker depth chart

Pittsburgh struggled mightily to contain Cleveland in their Week 12 loss. Getting Highsmith back should be huge, but expect healthy doses of Herbig and Smith in the meantime.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pittsburgh is undefeated when one Steelers defender is healthy

One Steelers defender, when healthy, has made a significant impact on the team’s success, and his absence in Week 13 could be pivotal.

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have faced their share of injury woes in 2024, losing several key starters to season-ending injuries. However, one key defender’s absence has impacted the team’s odds of winning more than most. When OLB Alex Highsmith has been injured—missing five of the eleven games this season—the Pittsburgh Steelers have gone 2-3. In contrast, when Highsmith hasn’t been dealing with his previous groin injury or his current ankle issue, the Steel City has remained undefeated, boasting an impressive 6-0 record.

While backup OLB Nick Herbig has provided impressive pass-rush abilities while filling in for the injured edge rusher, could Highsmith’s strength against the run, combined with the need for opposing offenses to prepare for his presence, lead to a stronger Black and Gold team?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MLFootball (@_mlfootball)

It is concerning, to say the least, that Highsmith is unlikely to play in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals after being listed as doubtful for the AFC North divisional matchup. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the opportunity to prove their ability to win games without Highsmith against their bitter rivals.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Mike Tomlin teases Alex Highsmith’s potential Week 13 return

Mike Tomlin provides an encouraging update on Alex Highsmith’s potential return as the Steelers prepare to face the Bengals in Week 13.

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Alex Highsmith rejoice!  Highsmith had tweaked his ankle during the Steelers Week 10 contest against the Commanders, and subsequently missed the team’s Week 11 and 12 contests.

Starting off Week 13’s Tuesday press conference with a bang, Head Coach Mike Tomlin delivered positive news for Steelers fans while discussing Sunday’s matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals: “We got Alex Highsmith leaning in on a return. We’ll let his participation and the quality of that participation be our guide in terms of whether he gets back in or what degree he gets back in.”

This update further supported what ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor stated on Tuesday—that Alex Highsmith would know by Thursday or Friday if he would be available to make his return for the Steelers in their Week 13 contest.

Highsmith’s addition on defense would be greatly appreciated, as the Pittsburgh Steelers defense struggled to contain the Cleveland Browns’ offense late in Week 12’s contest. Fans should keep their eyes glued to the Steelers’ injury report updates for Week 13’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith ruled out for Week 11 AFC North showdown with Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ruled EDGE Alex Highsmith out for their critical Week 11 matchup with the Ravens.

During today’s weekly press conference, Mike Tomlin ruled out EDGE Alex Highsmith for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

Highsmith suffered an ankle injury during Pittsburgh’s win over the Washington Commanders. He returned in Week 7 after dealing with a groin injury.

The silver lining is that Tomlin does expect Nick Herbig to play on Sunday. Herbig has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 5.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Report: Alex Highsmith seen in crutches following Week 10 injury

Alex Highsmith was seen on crutches leaving the Steelers’ locker room, raising concerns about the severity of his ankle injury.

In what should be an exciting celebration for the now 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, fans can’t help but sympathize with star EDGE Alex Highsmith, who appeared to suffer a serious ankle injury during his team’s Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders.

While the severity of the injury remains unclear, more details regarding Highsmith’s availability for the 2024 season will be revealed in the coming days. The outlook, however, doesn’t look promising.

Highsmith was seen using crutches as he left the Steelers’ locker room, suggesting the injury may cause him to miss significant time.

Highsmith recently missed Weeks 4 to 6 with a groin injury, and backup Nick Herbig is also nursing a hamstring injury. With this in mind, the Steelers’ trade for veteran OLB Preston Smith seems to have been a perfect move.

Smith will fill in admirably if Highsmith is forced to miss serious time, but fans of the Black and Gold are nonetheless hoping for a speedy recovery.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Injury update: Alex Highsmith planning to return in Week 7

Alex Highsmith has been estimated to return in the Week 7 game against the New York Jets. How will this affect Nick Herbig’s involvement?

Everyone stop what you’re doing! The Pittsburgh Steelers finally get some positive injury updates for a change!

As many Steelers fans are well aware, Alex Highsmith reaggravated a groin injury he sustained in the offseason during his team’s Week 3 contest versus the Los Angeles Chargers. This injury seemed to affect the Steelers’ pass rush heavily, struggling in Week 4 to pressure the Colts. This may soon change, however, as reporter Mark Kaboly stated that Highsmith now has an estimated return date.

For Week 7, the Pittsburgh Steelers are eyeing Highsmith to make his long-awaited return against the New York Jets.

While his return leaves some questions, such as whether he will be one hundred percent or if Nick Herbig will still factor into the defensive scheme in some way, Highsmith’s presence will be appreciated nonetheless.

Pittsburgh will need to make do without their star edge rusher for several weeks, starting with their Sunday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, on October 6th, at 8:20 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers vs. Cowboys: Mike Tomlin rules Alex Highsmith out for Week 5

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without EDGE Alex Highsmith for a second consecutive week as he battles a groin injury.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the defense will be without EDGE Alex Highsmith for a second consecutive week.

Highsmith suffered a groin injury, the second of his career, during Pittsburgh’s Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported that Highsmith was expected to miss two to three games.

Highsmith wasn’t the only player missing versus the Indianapolis Colts — the entire defense was missing in action.

In Highsmith’s absence last week, second-year defender Nick Herbig got his first start but exited midway through the game with an ankle injury. DeMarvin Leal came in to fill the void on 22 snaps.

As usual, practice participation will determine whether Herbig will be ready to go versus the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.

Guard James Daniels was also ruled out for Week 5. Daniels suffered an Achilles tear during the Colts loss but has not yet been placed on injured reserve.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers insider updates Alex Highsmith injury timeline

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without outside linebacker Alex Highsmith for a few games.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers could be without pass-rusher Alex Highsmith for up to two weeks.

Highsmith suffered a groin injury, the second of his career, during Pittsburgh’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Similar to 2023, Highsmith has been off to a slow start, having recorded one sack, a pass defended and 11 tackles in three games.

Expect Nick Herbig to get the bulk of the work, with DeMarvin Leal rotating in.

https://twitter.com/gerrydulac/status/1838665680218120455

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]