All articles tagged with #alex highsmith
A 20-3 loss to the Patriots was defined by a single offsides penalty by Alex Highsmith that negated a sack, allowing a 39-yard touchdown run. While the defense forced turnovers, the offense scored only three points, marking the first time since 2022 the Steelers managed so few points in a game.
In Week 1, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith powered a disruptive Steelers pass rush, with Watt posting two sacks and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown as Pittsburgh defeated Atlanta 20-13. Payton Wilson led the defense with 12 tackles, while the offense struggled with drops and consistency. Special teams had a few hiccups, but the Steelers’ stout defense carried the day and gave Pittsburgh a solid 1-0 start to the season.
Nick Herbig’s four-year, $100 million extension signals the Steelers view him as a core piece and raises questions about the futures of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who signed large extensions earlier; Watt (three-year, $123 million in 2025, about $41 million per year) and Highsmith (four-year, $68 million, $17 million APY) could all coexist for a year, or the Steelers could trade one to manage cap hits: trading Watt would save about $32 million guaranteed in 2026 and incur cap charges of $10 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027; trading Highsmith would avoid $14.5 million in 2026 with cap hits of $5.6 million in 2026 and 2027. The Herbig deal could prompt other teams to bid for Watt or Highsmith, given the high demand for pass rushers.
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith did not attend the second day of the team's mandatory three-day minicamp, a day after Nick Herbig signed a five-year, $104 million contract; Highsmith, a starter since 2020, has two years left on his deal and had been at all OTAs open to reporters.
Nick Herbig signed a five-year, $103.67 million extension with $42 million guaranteed, placing him among the NFL’s top-paid edge rushers and boosting the Steelers’ trio of edge players (Watt, Highsmith and Herbig) to about $304 million in combined salaries. A 2023 fourth-round pick, Herbig has 16 career sacks and 32 QB hits and has emerged as a disruptive pass rusher behind Watt and Highsmith; he says he wants to be a Steeler for life. Steelers officials say the deal won’t impact ongoing talks with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and coach Mike McCarthy emphasizes it’s a business decision while praising Herbig’s commitment.
The Steelers reportedly consider Nick Herbig a high-priority extension behind Joey Porter Jr., but the deal hinges on whether Herbig signs now or waits for free agency. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already paid top dollar, Pittsburgh must balance a potential near-$16M APY for Herbig against cap realities, possible trades, and the risk of losing him if he walks as Watt turns 32 and Highsmith 30, all while Herbig would still be backing up two veteran edge rushers who are under contract near 2027.
The Pittsburgh Steelers replaced long-time coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, whose Pittsburgh roots and proven coaching pedigree drew excitement from players like Alex Highsmith. McCarthy’s introductory moments highlighted his passion for the city and the Steelers, while fans and players acknowledge the challenge of fixing the quarterback position. The early sentiment is positive, but the real work begins on the field as the McCarthy era starts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their inactives for the Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns, which includes wide receiver George Pickens due to a hamstring injury. However, the team welcomes back outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who returns after missing three games with an ankle injury. Highsmith's return is expected to bolster the Steelers' defense, providing depth and allowing key players like T.J. Watt to rest more during games. Coach Mike Tomlin and Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey both acknowledge the impact Highsmith can have on the game.
Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Browns after missing three games due to injury, according to coach Mike Tomlin. Highsmith had been performing well before his absence, with notable stats against the Giants. However, the Steelers may be without wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who is in concussion protocol after a hit in the game against the Bengals.
Preston Smith made a solid debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing 21 snaps against the Washington Commanders. With Alex Highsmith injured, Smith's role is crucial in the upcoming games. He showed versatility by playing both outside linebacker positions and even lined up as a defensive tackle. While his pass rush was more power-oriented, he demonstrated good rush integrity and hustle, including a touchdown-saving tackle. Although credited with a sack, it wasn't a standout moment. Overall, Smith's performance was steady, and he will be key in the Steelers' defense moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers' outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will miss the upcoming divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a low ankle sprain sustained in a recent win over the Washington Commanders. Highsmith is expected to be out for two to three weeks. In his absence, the Steelers will rely on Preston Smith, recently acquired from the Green Bay Packers, and Nick Herbig, returning from a hamstring injury. The Steelers face a challenging matchup against a high-performing Ravens offense led by Lamar Jackson.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has been cleared from concussion protocol and will play against the Indianapolis Colts. Highsmith, who initially suffered a neck injury, practiced fully on Thursday and has been upgraded to not having a game status. The NFL and NFLPA are reviewing T.J. Watt's situation, while Highsmith's clearance is straightforward. The Steelers will be without quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is recovering from ankle surgery, and Isaac Seumalo is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith has cleared the concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, joining teammate T.J. Watt who cleared the protocol the previous night. Both players sustained concussions in the Steelers' loss to the New England Patriots, with Watt returning to the game after a brief evaluation and Highsmith not finishing the game due to a neck injury. The NFL and NFLPA are reviewing the situation surrounding Watt's re-entry into the game and the use of a tinted visor and smelling salts.
Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt has been placed in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following their loss to the New England Patriots. Watt was injured on the first play of the game when he was hit in the face by Ezekiel Elliott's knee. He returned to the field later in the first quarter but must be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can play again. Additionally, the Steelers' other starting pass-rusher, Alex Highsmith, is dealing with a neck injury.
Former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears warns the Los Angeles Rams not to let the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers be close in the end, highlighting the potential game-changing abilities of Steelers' pass-rushing duo T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Stafford's struggles under pressure and the Steelers' ability to generate pressure on the quarterback could spell trouble for the Rams. However, the Steelers' defense will need support from their secondary to effectively pressure Stafford.