The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a heartbreaking loss on Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks. The defense struggled throughout the day, and players were dropping like flies due to injuries. One player that went down was outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who had to leave the game with an ankle injury.
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Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
It became clear after the game that Highsmith suffered a sprained ankle during the contest. His ankle was an issue throughout the last week of practice, but he was able to play through it at the start of the game. Now, he is officially going to miss some time with a high ankle sprain. Typically those injuries taking about four to six weeks to completely heal, but every case is different.
It’s a high-ankle sprain for Alex Highsmith, per Mike Tomlin, which can mean 4-6 weeks and a trip to IR. https://t.co/D3H2Ls70No
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2025
It is unclear which play Highsmith suffered his injury on, but he did not come back into the game and he is a candidate to go on Injured Reserve. If that is the case, he will miss the next four games for Pittsburgh. This is a big blow for the defense, as Highsmith had gotten off to a great start on the year.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7960-544x306.jpg "Steelers TJ Watt Alex Highsmith")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers star edge rushers TJ Watt (left) and Alex Highsmith (right) go through a workout as the team practices at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA during 2023 training camp.
Highsmith had a great performance in Week 1 as he was constantly pressuring the opposing quarterback while also making some big plays against the run. He was one of the few bright spots on a defense that has been seriously struggling and not playing well enough. It is fair to expect that the defense is going to continue to struggle without Highsmith, but hopefully he can return soon while avoiding a trip to IR.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Considerable Depth Behind Alex Highsmith
Losing Highsmith for a few weeks is not good, but it isn't the end of the world either. Outside linebacker is one of the few spots on the roster that Pittsburgh can afford to have some injuries. Nick Herbig continues to play well and get better, and Jack Sawyer made some big plays in the loss to Seattle on Sunday. He recorded his first sack and had some big plays while defending the run. That duo should be able to fill in well for an injured Highsmith.
When do you think Highsmith will be back? Let us know in the comments below!
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