The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering Week 13 with one big goal: win. After taking control of the AFC North early in the season, the Steelers have lost four of their past six games to cede the top spot in their division to the Baltimore Ravens. However, after the Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving Day, Pittsburgh could move back to the top of the AFC North with a win on Sunday.
The problem for the Steelers is that they have drawn a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The good news, though, is that Pittsburgh is set to get several key players back from injury for this game. One of them is star pass rusher Alex Highsmith, who recently made it clear he’s ready to get back on the field for his team.
Alex Highsmith Looking to Wreak Havoc vs. Bills in Week 13
In Week 12, the Steelers were pretty shorthanded thanks to a slew of injuries, and while they battled hard against the Chicago Bears, they still suffered a 31-28 loss when all was said and done. At this stage of the season, every game is important, especially when considering where Pittsburgh was just a few weeks ago, compared to where they are now.
Highsmith was among the group of players who missed the Steelers’ latest game, as he’s been dealing with a pectoral injury. It’s been a struggle for Highsmith to stay on the field this season, as he’s suited up in just seven games, but when he’s played, he’s been as impactful as ever, as he has 24 tackles and 5.5 sacks during that time.
All week long, Highsmith had been trending in the right direction when it came to his injury status, and sure enough, he will enter this contest without an injury designation. When discussing his various injury woes this year, Highsmith revealed that while it has been tough on him, he’s looking forward to getting back on the field and dominating like he usually does.
“It’s frustrating,” Highsmith admitted when discussing his injury woes this season. “Really just trying to dominate what I can control. Dominate being the best teammate, dominate rehab every single day, so I think that’s just really where it starts for me.”
Steelers Desperately Need to Beat Bills on Sunday
GettyPittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Getting Highsmith back is huge because Pittsburgh’s defense hasn’t been particularly good this season. In order to beat Buffalo, Highsmith and T.J. Watt are going to have to lead their team when it comes to getting pressure on quarterback Josh Allen. The Steelers have been at their best this season when they are forcing turnovers, and the easiest way to do that is by making life difficult for the opposing quarterback.
In addition to Highsmith, Pittsburgh will also have its own quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, at its disposal for this game. The Steelers are certainly favored in the health department heading into this one, but as long as Allen is on the field for the Bills, they will have a shot to come out on top. Kickoff for this very important matchup is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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