Alex Highsmith appears to have suffered a serious injury when he fell during last Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders. Highsmith threw his helmet to the ground while being treated by Steelers medical staff after suffering a non-contact injury.
Pittsburgh fans received some good news Tuesday, however, when Highsmith’s father revealed on social media that the Steelers’ starting outside linebacker may be out 2-3 weeks after suffering a sprained ankle.
Highsmith was injured while chasing Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels late in the second half of Sunday’s 28-27 victory. He was replaced in the lineup by veteran Preston Smith, who was making his Steelers debut after being traded from Green Bay before Tuesday’s deadline.
Pittsburgh will get more help at outside linebacker this week, as backup Nick Herbig is expected to be available for Sunday’s game after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury. Herbig had recorded 2.5 sacks in his previous three games before getting injured. Herbig made two starts earlier this year with Highsmith missing due to injury.
Given Highsmith’s new injury, Herbig’s return and the recent acquisition of Smith are huge advantages for the Steelers, who hope to maintain first place in the AFC North by beating the Ravens on Sunday. Pittsburgh (7-2) currently has a half-game lead over Baltimore (7-3) in the division standings.
Sunday will be Pittsburgh’s first game this year against a divisional opponent. The Steelers have largely held the Ravens’ number since their loss on Christmas Day 2016. Including that game, Pittsburgh has won 11 of its last 15 games against its main division rival. They are 3-1 in games started by Lamar Jackson, as the two-time league MVP hasn’t beaten the Steelers since October 2019.
