Steelers Now
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will not to be placed on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s 30-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Being placed on IR would’ve knocked him out four games.
Highsmith did not return to the game on Sunday after suffering the injury. Highsmith tweaked his ankle during the Steelers’ Friday practice, but suited up for the matchup against Sam Darnold’s offense.
Highsmith missed all of the preseason with a groin injury suffered during a 1-on-1 drill during training camp. He healed up from that ailment quickly enough to get back on the field for the Steelers’ season opener against the New York Jets. In that one, Highsmith had the Steelers’ only sack against former teammate Justin Fields, who rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.
Highsmith had eight combined tackles against the New York Jets, tied for the second-most on the team during the victory. Safety Chuck Clark, who started in DeShon Elliott’s absence against the Seahawks, also had eight, while Juan Thornhill posted nine.
Backup edge rusher Nick Herbig returned for the game against the Seahawks after missing Week 1 with a hamstring injury. Fourth-round draft pick Jack Sawyer will also pick up some of the slack for the Steelers.
Highsmith had a solo stop before coming off. He played in 11 games for the Steelers last season while dealing with injuries, finishing with 45 takedowns, six sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble.
The Steelers suffered a slew of injuries in Sunday’s loss to Seattle.
“We had some injuries. [Isaiahh] Loudermilk had a high ankle. [Alex] Highsmith had a high ankle. Patrick Queen had a rib injury. Payton Wilson, it was just heat-related fatigue,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “He missed a block of time. A couple of other guys went in and out and were capable of returning. James Pierre being one of them.”
Queen suffered a rib injury in the second quarter of Sunday’s game. Queen was evaluated in the blue medical tent and was listed as questionable before returning.
The Steelers were without defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee), cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring) and strong safety DeShon Elliott (knee) heading into Sunday’s game. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk, linebacker Patrick Queen (rib), linebacker Payton Wilson (heat-related) and James Pierre (arm) were the in-game injuries.
Wilson vomited and was evaluated in the blue medical tent. Like Queen, Wilson returned.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Get Good News on Alex Highsmith’s Injury
