The Pittsburgh Steelers will continue their AFC North stint in their schedule and travel to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. This is the first matchup against the Bengals this season who sit at 4-7 and third in the AFC North. The Steelers are coming off a loss to the Cleveland Browns in a game they realistically should've won. With the Steelers beating the red-hot Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, it seemed to be an easy guess that the Steelers would beat the then 2-8 Browns. However, nothing in the AFC North is easy. The Bengals have a high-powered offense ran by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, so the Steelers will need everyone on defense to step up. Hopefully, Alex Highsmith will be back for the Week 13 matchup.
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Steelers' Alex Highsmith goes for a sack on Jayden Daniels during Week 10 of the 2024 regular season
Highsmith suffered an ankle injury Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. The injury appeared worrisome at first, but reports came out after his injury that he could return against the Bengals in Week 13. Highsmith offered a positive update about his injury after practice on Tuesday.
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith (left low ankle sprain) says he ran better today than he was last week and didn’t rule himself out for Sunday at Cincy pic.twitter.com/QfruXqIiZR
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 26, 2024
Highsmith also went down with a groin injury earlier in the season against the Los Angeles Chargers. A report from Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said he was expected to miss two to three weeks and he ended up coming back Week 7 against the New York Jets. Highsmith has been a huge help on the defensive line this season, creating plays when TJ Watt gets double teamed or chipped on the other side. Highsmith has started in six games this season and the Steelers are 6-0 with him. Without Highsmith, the Steelers are 2-3. Highsmith in six games has three sacks and 19 total tackles. Highsmith expressed how he's been helping his teammates prepare in practice since he's been sidelined.
“Throughout practice and throughout the week, just trying to be the best teammate I can be for the guys and trying to help them in different ways," Highsmith said. "Like I said, just ready to be back and progressing every day.”
Highsmith said he'll know more about how likely he can play later in the week during his media availability. He said he's being careful with his left ankle throughout the week as he really wants to play against the Bengals.
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Steelers' Nick Herbig gets ready to rush the quarterback.
Steelers' Edge Rusher Room Stepping Up In Highsmith's Absence
Nick Herbig has stepped in largely in Highsmith's absence. He has recorded 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He's quick on the edge and adds a lot of depth to the Steelers' edge rushing room. The acquisition of Preston Smith has also proved to be worth it as the line isn't as depleted with Highsmith out. Smith has eight total tackles with the Steelers and one sack so far.
Watt has been one of the most chipped players in the NFL, causing him not to create as much chaos as he once did. Highsmith coming back will allow teams to not only worry about Watt, but himself as well. The Bengals have given up 26 sacks this season, so the defensive line should hopefully have a field day in Week 13.
Do you think Highsmith plays against the Bengals? Let us know in the comments below!
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