Highsmith finished the 2024 regular season with 45 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, along with two pass defenses and a forced fumble in 11 contests. While Highsmith had one less sack than in 2023, his total came in six fewer games. The veteran linebacker missed time with injuries to both his groin and ankle, but when active he was a key contributor for Pittsburgh's defense. Highsmith should remain in that role next season in what will be the second year of the four-year extension he signed last July.
Highsmith recorded eight tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks, in the Steelers' loss to the Eagles on Sunday. Highsmith's eight tackles marked a new season high, and he's now logged one sack in back-to-back games since returning from a three-game absence. On the year, Highsmith is up to 30 tackles (19 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and 13 QB hits through eight appearances.
Highsmith recorded three tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks and an additional tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns. The linebacker returned with a strong game after missing the previous three contests due to an ankle injury. Highsmith now has 22 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in 2024.
Highsmith (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. Highsmith missed the Steelers' last three games due to an ankle injury. He started the week out with a limited session Wednesday, but he was a full participant in Thursday's practice and mentioned afterwards that his ankle is "feeling so much better." Highsmith's return for Sunday's game against the Browns bolsters an already elite edge rushing corps of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Preston Smith.
Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that he expects Highsmith to return for the Steelers' Week 14 matchup against the Browns, and Wednesday's limited session is a positive step in that direction. However, the 27-year-old's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can return for Sunday's divisional contest.
Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Highsmith also handled a limited practice the Friday before Pittsburgh's contest at Cincinnati in Week 13, but he ultimately wasn't able to suit up for that game. He said Wednesday though that his ankle felt better than it did the week prior, and he's now presumably on track to play Sunday versus the Browns.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Highsmith (ankle) to play in Sunday's game against the Browns, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Highsmith has missed the last three games but appears ready to return for this week's divisional tilt. Through six games, Highsmith has tallied three sacks among his 19 tackles (11 solo) on the season. Highsmith will rejoin T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Preston Smith as the Steelers' primary edge rushers.
Highsmith (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Dale Lolley of the Steelers' official site reports. Highsmith is set to miss his third straight contest and sixth game of the campaign. Nick Herbig will step into an expanded role and has seven total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, across the last two games.
Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant in Friday's practice but is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. Highsmith was able to finish the week with consecutive limited practice sessions, but it appears he will miss his third straight game due to an ankle injury he suffered against the Commanders in Week 10. If Highsmith is indeed ruled out for Sunday's game, Nick Herbig would likely serve as the Steelers' second starting outside linebacker opposite T.J. Watt, and Preston Smith would see an uptick in defensive snaps in a rotational role.