The Pittsburgh Steelers have not started the 2025 season off in the best way. Through two weeks, the Steelers have a 1-1 record, but the defense has been astonishingly bad throughout both games. The offense was able to save the day in Week 1 and help Pittsburgh secure the win, but that side of the ball could not replicate that magic in Week 2 as Pittsburgh lost to the Seattle Seahawks. It was an embarrassing game to watch for Steelers fans, but the defensive side of the ball was fairly beat up throughout the game — which didn't help that side of the ball as it was already struggling.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Pittsburgh went into the contest against Seattle already missing Joey Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott. Those are two key starters for the defense, and more players went down throughout the contest. Both Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen missed some time during the game, and Alex Highsmith went down with a high ankle sprain. He was a little banged up going into the contest, but he left hurt even more.
High ankle sprains are nothing to play with, and there were some that thought there was a chance Highsmith could end up on Injured Reserve. Pittsburgh got good news on Monday however, as NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the injury is not as bad as people initially thought.
#Steelers LB Alex Highsmith, who left Sunday's game with what Mike Tomlin called a high-ankle sprain, is not likely to be placed on IR, sources say. That's good news, an indication that it's not as serious as first believed. IR would knock him out four games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2025
Had Highsmith been placed on IR, he would have missed a minimum of four games. Pittsburgh's defense has already been struggling and having to be without Highsmith for an extended period of time would have made the next chunk of the season seem very bleak. He may still miss a game or two, but no IR is ultimately very good news.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The defense for Pittsburgh has been nothing but disappointing so far during the 2025 season, but Highsmith has been one of the few bright spots on that side of the ball. He has been consistently getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks while also making plays in the run game, so fans were understandably worried after getting the news that he had a high ankle sprain.
The Steelers are now currently preparing to play the New England Patriots in Week 3 on the road. In Week 4, Pittsburgh travels to Ireland to take on the Minnesota Vikings before having a bye week in Week 5. This likely means that Week 6 might be the perfect time for Highsmith to return to the lineup, which also happens to be the week that Pittsburgh kicks off play in the AFC North as the team will take on the Cleveland Browns.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Defense Needs To Turn Things Around During Alex Highsmith's Absence
Improving while Highsmith is out is not going to be easy, but it is a necessity. Pittsburgh’s schedule is much harder in the second half of the 2025 regular season, which makes it crucial to win as many games early on as possible. A loss to New England or Minnesota would be unacceptable, as would a poor defensive performance. Both teams are starting second-year quarterbacks who have not even started a full season, and there is no reason that Pittsburgh's defense should not be able to dominate in those scenarios.
If the defense continues to play like it has through two weeks, the Steelers will have no chance of having a successful season. Changes are needed immediately, and the next two weeks are great situations to get back on track.
When do you expect Highsmith to make his return to the lineup? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
