The Pittsburgh Steelers shared their final injury news on Friday, November 14, ahead of the Week 11 divisional game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
As always, team reporter Teresa Varley broke down the injury designations, noting that starting cornerback Darius Slay (concussion), starting edge rusher Alex Highsmith (pectoral), and linebacker/special teamer Cole Holcomb (illness) will not suit up this weekend. Each was officially ruled “out” in Week 11.
On top of those three absences, starting guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring/knee) were both labeled as “questionable” for the Bengals matchup.
Seumalo has been in and out of the gameday lineup with a nagging pectoral issue. After missing Week 10, the veteran offensive lineman returned to practice on Wednesday. It appears he’ll have a chance to go on Sunday, although it is notable that Seumalo has previously aggravated this injury.
As for Trice, the former seventh-round pick has yet to play in a game this year. So, it’s possible that Week 11 will be his 2025 debut.
Steelers’ Alex Highsmith ‘Frustrated’ Amid New Injury
GettyPittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith will not play in Week 11.
It’s not the first time Highsmith has missed time this season. The edge rusher was out of the lineup from Week 3 through the Week 5 bye, but he’s been healthy ever since.
Needless to say, another injury has been “frustrating” for Highsmith.
“It’s just frustrating for something like this to pop up because I’m someone who really takes care of my body and does a lot extra to make sure these things don’t happen,” the veteran stated earlier this week.
“I just have to continue to rehab,” he added. “It’s frustrating because I care and I do a lot. I put a lot of work into my body, so I just have to continue to rehab and get it right.”
Highsmith also said that he was “optimistic” about playing through this pectoral injury in Week 11, but apparently, that’s not going to happen. Rising pass rusher Nick Herbig will presumably start in place of Highsmith.
Bengals QB Joe Flacco Is Battling Injury Ahead of the Week 11 Matchup With the Steelers
The Steelers aren’t the only ones with different injuries to manage in Week 11. Cincinnati has its fair share, including star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and draft pick Shemar Stewart (both ruled out), as well as backup running back Samaje Perine (out).
The other key injury to watch will be quarterback Joe Flacco. With Joe Burrow still working his way back from injury, Flacco has been key to the Bengals’ success.
Flacco did not practice on Friday after logging a “limited” practice session on Thursday, but he’s still expected to start on Sunday, according to Bengals columnist Mike Petraglia.
Similarly, ESPN beat reporter Ben Baby relayed the following on Flacco on November 14.
“A good week for Bengals QB Joe Flacco as he continues to deal with the sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder,” Baby stated.
He added a quote from Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who said: “Seemingly, he’s in a better spot this week. I feel very good about him playing on Sunday.”
It appears Flacco will at least give it a go in Week 11, although it should be noted that he seems to be playing through an injury.
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