ALEX HIGHSMITH NEWS

'These guys have Steelers DNA.' Pittsburgh leans into physicality during the NFL draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the NFL draft focusing on players that head coach Mike Tomlin said will help the team ‘retool’ its physicality

APRIL 27 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Deals with injuries in 2024 Highsmith finished the 2024 regular season with 45 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, along with two pass defenses and a forced fumble in 11 contests.

Impact While Highsmith had one less sack than in 2023, his total came in six fewer games. The veteran linebacker missed time with injuries to both his groin and ankle, but when active he was a key contributor for Pittsburgh's defense. Highsmith should remain in that role next season in what will be the second year of the four-year extension he signed last July.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Slumping Steelers host surging Bengals in regular-season finale with plenty of stakes

The Pittsburgh Steelers will try to generate some positive momentum for the playoffs when they host Cincinnati in their regular-season finale

JANUARY 2 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Steelers defense scrambling as the playoffs loom

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their star-laden defense have struggled during a three-game slide that has them limping toward the playoffs

JANUARY 1 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

It might've been Christmas, but it sure feels like Groundhog Day for the reeling Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar spot as the season winds down

DECEMBER 26, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Steelers' Alex Highsmith Calls Out Team's Desire to Win Amid 3-Game Skid Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith called out the team’s effort following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

DECEMBER 26, 2024 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Highlight: Ravens Recover Fumble on Alex Highsmith Strip-Sack Lamar Jackson is stripped by Alex Highsmith on Baltimore's first drive, but Ronnie Stanley recovers the fumble.

DECEMBER 21, 2024 • BALTIMORERAVENS.COM

Eight tackles, one sack in defeat Highsmith recorded eight tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks, in the Steelers' loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Impact Highsmith's eight tackles marked a new season high, and he's now logged one sack in back-to-back games since returning from a three-game absence. On the year, Highsmith is up to 30 tackles (19 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and 13 QB hits through eight appearances.

DECEMBER 19, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up sack in win Highsmith recorded three tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks and an additional tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns.

Impact The linebacker returned with a strong game after missing the previous three contests due to an ankle injury. Highsmith now has 22 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in 2024.

DECEMBER 11, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

The Steelers look to avoid another misstep against the Browns, 2 weeks after losing in the snow

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will meet for the second time in 17 days when the Browns visit Acrisure Stadium on Sunday

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Logs full practice Thursday Highsmith (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Impact Highsmith missed the Steelers' last three games due to an ankle injury. He started the week out with a limited session Wednesday, but he was a full participant in Thursday's practice and mentioned afterwards that his ankle is "feeling so much better." Highsmith's return for Sunday's game against the Browns bolsters an already elite edge rushing corps of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Preston Smith.

DECEMBER 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.'s 'serial killer mentality' is serving him well amid bumpy patch

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. isn't letting a rough stretch shake his confidence

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Still nursing ankle injury Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Impact Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that he expects Highsmith to return for the Steelers' Week 14 matchup against the Browns, and Wednesday's limited session is a positive step in that direction. However, the 27-year-old's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can return for Sunday's divisional contest.

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Says ankle feeling better Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact Highsmith also handled a limited practice the Friday before Pittsburgh's contest at Cincinnati in Week 13, but he ultimately wasn't able to suit up for that game. He said Wednesday though that his ankle felt better than it did the week prior, and he's now presumably on track to play Sunday versus the Browns.

DECEMBER 4, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Expected back for Week 14 Highsmith (ankle) is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Browns, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Highsmith has missed the last three games but appears ready to return for this week's divisional tilt. Through six games, Highsmith has 19 tackles (11 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and 10 QB hits. Highsmith will rejoin T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig as the Steelers' premier edge rushers.

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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.

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • USATODAY.COM

Pittsburgh Steelers injury updates on Alex Highsmith, Calvin Austin | Sporting News As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, the team is hoping to have both outside linebacker Alex Highs...

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Russell Wilson isn't cooked, he's cooking. So is the Steelers' offense

Russell Wilson is turning back the clock in Pittsburgh

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Still sidelined Highsmith (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Impact Highsmith is set to miss his third straight contest and sixth game of the campaign. Nick Herbig will step into an expanded role and has seven total tackles with a sack across the last two games.

DECEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play vs. Cincinnati Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice but is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site repor...

Impact Highsmith was able to finish the week with consecutive limited practice sessions, but it appears he will miss his third straight game due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Commanders in Week 10. If Highsmith is indeed ruled out for Sunday's game, Nick Herbig would likely serve as the Steelers' second starting outside linebacker opposite T.J. Watt, and Preston Smith would see an uptick in defensive snaps in a rotational role.

NOVEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Keeanu Benton added to Steelers' injury report, Alex Highsmith upgraded Starting defensive tackle Keeanu Benton was a mid-week add to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ league-mandated injury report, listed as a limited pa...

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • TRIBLIVE.COM

Upgrades to limited practice Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Highsmith was estimated as a DNP for Wednesday's walkthrough, so his LP estimation Thursday is a step in the right direction. The veteran pass rusher is looking to return from a two-game absence caused by an ankle injury he suffered in Week 10 against Washington. If Highsmith can't play Sunday, Nick Herbig will likely continue to garner increased defensive snaps.

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Steelers will try to stay on top of the AFC North when they face the Bengals in Cincy

The Pittsburgh Steelers let their most recent game slip away as the Browns outlasted them on a snowy night in Cleveland

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Logs DNP on Wednesday Highsmith (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Highsmith sustained an ankle injury in the Steelers' Week 10 win over the Commanders and has not practiced since. The 27-year-old will almost certainly need to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday to have a chance at suiting up for Pittsburgh's Week 13 divisional matchup against the Bengals.

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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.

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 • USATODAY.COM