Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith left the Week 2 loss against the Seattle Seahawks with an injury, and there was a mostly positive update on that developing situation on Monday, September 15.
“Steelers LB Alex Highsmith, who left Sunday’s game with what Mike Tomlin called a high-ankle sprain, is not likely to be placed on IR, sources say,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport relayed on X. Adding: “That’s good news, an indication that it’s not as serious as first believed. IR would knock him out four games.”
So, while Highsmith may still be unavailable for Week 3 against the New England Patriots, there is reason to believe that he won’t miss too much time.
Considering Highsmith was seen in a “walking boot” after the defeat, and Rapoport himself noted a four-to-six week recovery timeline was possible, it would seem the Steelers managed to dodge a bullet on this one.
Alex Highsmith’s Contract Called Into Question After Latest Injury With Steelers
Highsmith is earning $17 million per year after signing a $68 million contract in 2023. And Steelers Nation is beginning to question if the production and availability are worth the price tag.
“Alex Highsmith got a contract extension in July of 2023. His sack total was then cut in half in 2023. He missed six games in 2024. [And] he missed all of camp in 2025 and is now injured in the second week of the season,” Josh Rowntree of 937 The Fan posted on the evening of September 14.
Fans also chimed in on social media, calling for more Nick Herbig usage and a contract restructure of Highsmith.
It’s true that Highsmith has yet to recapture the magic of his 14.5-sack campaign in 2022. Of course, this season directly led to the aforementioned contract extension.
Highsmith has managed a combined 13.0 sacks over the past two regular seasons, with 1.0 sack in each of the Steelers’ past two playoff appearances and another 1.0 sack to begin the 2025 campaign.
The veteran starter did add 9 tackles for a loss in just 11 starts last year, with 13 QB hits and 1 forced fumble. He also got off to a hot start this season, according to Pro Football Focus, leading all edge rushers with a minimum of 20% snaps played in “PRP.”
Per PFF, PRP is a “formula that combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times they rush the passer.”
Highsmith is also currently tied for seventh among all NFL edge rushers in pass-rush win-rate after two games.
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