Alex Highsmith: Everything you need to know

Highsmith posted 50 tackles (36 solo), including 9.5 sacks, along with three pass defenses and a forced fumble while appearing in 13 regular-season games in 2025. Although Highsmith had a pair of two-game absences in 2025 due to ankle and pectoral injuries, he managed to reach the 50-tackle threshold for the fourth time in his first six professional seasons while also recording a team-high 9.5 sacks. The 2020 third-round pick saw plenty of work down the stretch after returning to game action in Week 13, and he should maintain a prominent role during the playoffs.

Highsmith posted seven solo tackles and 1.0 sacks in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens. Highsmith has piled up 6.5 sacks over nine games, adding 4.1 tackles per game in the process. It's a far cry from the 14.5 sacks he accrued during the 2022 season, but he continues to be a steady presence opposite superstar T.J. Watt on the edge. Highsmith has an intriguing fantasy playoff schedule featuring the Dolphins in Week 15 and Browns in Week 17.

Highsmith (pectoral) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Highsmith has missed Pittsburgh's past two contests due to a pectoral injury. He was limited in practice Wednesday, but with a full session under his belt Thursday, a Week 13 return seems to be in order. Highsmith has tallied 5.5 sacks over seven games this season.