Tag: Alex Highsmith

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Report: Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle) to miss 2-3 games

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith is expected to miss 2-to-3 games with an ankle sprain, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday.

Highsmith left Sunday’s win over the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter and was seen on crutches after the game. He was injured after stepping on the foot of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, rolling his ankle.

The Steelers first feared it was a high-ankle sprain that could have sidelined Highsmith for 4-to-6 weeks.

Highsmith, 27, has three sacks and 19 tackles in six games (all starts) this season. He has 32.5 sacks in 72 career games (61 starts) since the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2020 draft.

The loss of Highsmith could be mitigated by the expected return of OLB Nate Herbig in Week 11, when the Steelers (7-2) host the Baltimore Ravens (7-3).

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) reacts after his interception resulted in a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers rework LB Alex Highsmith’s deal, clear $7M

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers restructured linebacker Alex Highsmith’s contract to clear more than $7 million in salary cap space, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

Highsmith, 26, inked a four-year, $68 million extension last July that reportedly included $27.7 million guaranteed.

He was due to earn a $10.7 million base salary in 2024 with a $13.9 million cap hit. Converting a portion of that into a signing bonus will give the Steelers some flexibility for the rest of the offseason.

Highsmith followed his breakout 14.5-sack campaign in 2022 with seven sacks in 17 starts in 2023.

Highsmith has posted 29.5 sacks, 59 quarterback hits, three interceptions, eight forced fumbles and 242 tackles in 66 games (55 starts) since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round in 2020.

–Field Level Media

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers place star LB T.J. Watt in concussion protocol

Posted on | by Field Level Media

All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt is in the concussion protocol, two days after his Pittsburgh Steelers lost 21-18 to the New England Patriots.

Watt was cleared to return to the game Thursday after he was injured on the first play, when he took a helmet to the chin. Later in the first quarter, a dark visor was attached to his helmet.

He made five tackles and had no sacks.

When Watt, 29, got to the team facility on Friday, he reported his symptoms and was placed in the protocol, the team said Saturday.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith also is in the protocol after leaving the game against the Patriots in the first quarter.

Watt, the NFL defensive player of the year in 2021, is a three-time All-Pro. On the season, he has 52 tackles, an interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His 14 sacks are second in the NFL, one less than Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Highsmith, 26, is in his fourth season with the Steelers. He has 49 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The Steelers (7-6) have lost two straight games. They will visit the Indianapolis Colts next Saturday in Week 15.

–Field Level Media