Alex Highsmith injury update: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin hints at severity after exit vs. Seahawks

Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith left Pittsburgh’s 27-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the first half on Sunday after appearing to suffer an ankle injury. On Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided an update on Highsmith’s condition.

“Alex Highsmith, who left Sunday’s game with what Mike Tomlin called a high-ankle sprain, is not likely to be placed on IR,” Rapoport wrote on X. “That’s good news, an indication that it’s not as serious as first believed. IR would knock him out four games.”

Before leaving the game on Sunday, Highsmith recorded one tackle. Highsmith had a standout performance in the Steelers’ season-opening 34-32 win over the New York Jets in Week 1. In the victory, Highsmith logged eight tackles, a sack and three total quarterback hits.

Highsmith also battled injuries last season for the Steelers. In September, Highsmith suffered a groin injury, causing him to miss three game. In November, he missed another three outings after spraining his left ankle.

He started in all 11 games he played in, tallying 45 tackles, six sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. This season is Highsmith’s sixth with the Steelers. Since the Steelers drafted him in 2020, Highsmith has amassed 79 appearances and six starts.

Highsmith hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet. However, in 2022, he was NFL‘s forced fumbles co-leader. In 2023, Highsmith signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension with the Steelers. Highsmith is a key piece of Pittsburgh’s elite defensive front.

“I think that’s honestly the heartbeat of their team, is their defensive front,” Cincinnati Bengals tackle Orlando Brown Jr. said this summer. “They’ve got a number of guys man, in my opinion, that are starters and high-level players on this level, that have proven it.

“T.J. Watt, guys like Alex Highsmith, who may not get their credit and respect that they deserve. They’ve got a really good front. I mean, like I said, it’s the heartbeat of their team.”

Steelers linebackers Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer are expected to help fill the hole in the Steelers’ defense left by Highsmith. Herbig is in his third season with the Steelers, while Sawyer is still a rookie.

Herbig made 13 appearances for Pittsburgh last season, including five starts. The pair will look to get comfortable in their increased roles in the defense this week before the Steelers face off against the New England Patriots on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The game will air live on CBS.