Tag: Alex Highsmith

Steelers’ T.J. Watt-Nick Herbig tandem lead NFL in one incredible statistic

Watt and Herbig dominate the NFL in forced fumbles, showcasing the Steelers’ success in drafting elite Badger edge rushers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers know how to draft Badger edge rushers. The Black and Gold’s Wisconsin alumni, OLBs T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, are currently wrecking opposing offensive lines. An important statistic proves their success: the duo leads the entirety of the NFL in forced fumbles.

Watt and Herbig currently hold the first and second spots for most forced fumbles in the NFL, with five and four forced fumbles respectively. Combined, the edge-rushing tandem leads all other duos at their position with an impressive nine forced fumbles.

One incredible feat for fans to consider is that although Herbig is only one forced fumble away from being tied with Watt for the top spot, he has started seven fewer games than the 2021 D.P.O.Y.

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How will the inevitable return of OLB Alex Highsmith factor into the Wisconsin alumni edge-rushing tandem? Watt’s versatility in Week 13, which saw him line up all over the defense, could allow Highsmith and Herbig to play alongside him, creating an unstoppable Steelers pass rush.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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T.J. Watt offers up perfect analogy for issues at OLB

T.J. Watt needs to rally his fellow outside linebackers this week.

Despite all the hype, the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacking unit hasn’t lived up to the billing for much of the 2024 season. This should never be the case with guys like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig in the lineup. Nevertheless, it’s been the case and Watt acknowledges it. And he offered up the perfect analogy for what’s been going wrong and how to fix it.

Watt said the outside linebacker room can’t be “four or five independent contractors” and instead have to work as a unit. All great things to focus on if the Steelers want get the pass rush back on track.

 

On the season, Watt has 7.5 sacks. Next up among the outside linebackers is Nick Herbig with only 3.5. Pittsburgh’s struggles start and stop with its ability to rush the passer off the edge. This week the Steelers prepare to take on Cincinnati Bengals and that means trying to slow down quarterback Joe Burrow, who is playing at a very high level.

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Steelers injury updates: 4 Steelers limited at practice on Thursday

Alex Highsmith returned to practice on Thursday.

It might be Thanksgiving but it’s not a day off for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team practiced on Thursday in preparation for their AFC North showdown this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The good news is that starting outside linebacker Alex Highsmith returned to practice on a limited basis. This is the first time Highsmith has been able to practice this week and offers some hope he could return for this week’s game.

Three other Steelers were limited with injuries. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has a hip injury, cornerback Cory Trice Jr. is still dealing with a hamstring and nose tackle Montravius Adams was limited with a knee.

In addition and not on the team’s report was safety Damontae Kazee who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness. The team also had multiple players with NIR vet days off including Cam Heyward.

Steelers injury update: Defensive starter still out of Wednesday practice

The Steelers could use Alex Highsmith back in the lineup this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked to be getting healthy ahead of this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams returned to practice this week which opened up his 21-day window to come off IR. On Wednesday, Adams was a full participant which is a great sign for him potentially playing this week.

But one defensive starter who missed practice again on Wednesday was outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. Highsmith is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of the last two games. This is in addition to the three games Highsmith missed earlier in the season.

The Steelers could really use Highsmith back for the team’s stretch run of the final six games. The pass rush has been inconsistent all season, even when Highsmith was in the lineup but it’s all hands on deck down the stretch against some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

The only other two Steelers with injury designations on Wednesday were Cory Trice and the aforementioned Adams. Both were full participants at practice.

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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.

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Steelers bring back OLB to practice squad

The Steelers have added some insurance at outside linebacker this week.

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they had signed outside linebacker Julius Welschof to the practice squad. Welschof was originally part of the Steelers during the offseason after being signed as an undrafted free agent.

This addition could be insurance if Alex Highsmith cannot go this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers have T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig as starters with Preston Smith as the primary backup. Highsmith wasn’t in the field for the team’s Tuesday practice and this is a situation to monitor going into Sunday’s game.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin updates Alex Highsmith availability for TNF vs Browns

With the Pittsburgh Steelers on a short week, facing the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, Alex Highsmith isn’t likely to play.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a significant part of their defense in Week 10 in linebacker Alex Highsmith. While the unit held its own — and then some — without him in win over Ravens, his absence is felt.

With the Steelers on a short week and facing the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, Mike Tomlin deemed Highsmith “more out than in.”

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 injury appeared far worse than it turned out to be, so the defense can be thankful for that.

Should Highsmith not be available this week, he could suit up for the Steelers’ third-consecutive divisional matchup in Week 13 at the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Ravens fall to 7-4 as offense sputters in 18-16 loss to Steelers in Week 11

Lamar Jackson will have to wait a few weeks to get that much-needed win over the Steelers after the Ravens sputtered in neutral for most of the afternoon in an 18-16 loss to Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium.

The NFL’s No. 1 ranked quarterback in QBR, Jackson was 16-33 passing for 207 yards (6.3 avg), one touchdown, one interception, and a 66.1 rating, the lowest of this season.

Jackson had four carries for 46 yards, while Derrick Henry was held to 65 yards (5.0 avg) on 13 carries and one rushing touchdown, tying the single-season franchise record for touchdowns.

Zach Orr’s maligned defense held Pittsburgh to 4-16 on third downs and 303 total yards, but Pittsburgh held the football for 36:22, compared to Baltimore’s 23:38.

The Steelers held the Ravens ‘ top-ranked offense to 329 yards and just 124 yards rushing. Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals will further magnify the two-point loss. On the day, Tucker was 1-3 on field goal attempts, while Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was a perfect 6-6, including a 57-yard field goal.

Baltimore will quickly regroup before a massive Monday night matchup against Jim Harbaugh and the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers.

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