UPDATE (2:00 p.m.) Dulac has since deleted his initial tweet about Highsmith likely being out 2-3 games. He put out a new tweet that said Highsmith will be out “probably at least a couple games,” which could mean that the injury could cost Highsmith more than just 2-3 weeks.
Original tweet below.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers lost OLB Alex Highsmith to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter of their win over the Washington Commanders in Week 10, and per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Highsmith could miss more time. Dulac tweeted that Highsmith will undergo an MRI today to determine the extent of the injury, but it’s likely that he’s out 2-3 games.
Dulac also added that OLB Nick Herbig is due back Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
If it is indeed just a 2-3 week injury, then Highsmith likely avoided a high ankle sprain, which is overall good news. A low ankle sprain would likely force him to miss at least two games, whereas a high ankle sprain would be more along the lines of 4-6 games, per Melanie Friedlander.
Highsmith was seen on crutches after the game yesterday, and the injury didn’t look good, with Highsmith twisting his ankle after stepping on the foot of Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels. He went down and was in immediate pain and came off the field with trainers and did not return to the game.
If Highsmith misses the next two games, he’ll be out against the Ravens on Sunday and then the Browns in Week 12 on Thursday Night Football. Pittsburgh plays the Bengals in Week 13, so it could be three divisional games that Highsmith misses if that 2-3 game timeline by Dulac is accurate.
Not having Highsmith is a huge loss for the Steelers, but Herbig has looked good when he’s healthy this season, so it’s promising that he’s set to return on Sunday. Additionally, the Steelers acquired OLB Preston Smith ahead of the trade deadline, and Smith is an accomplished veteran EDGE who should see his role increase if Highsmith is out. Against the Commanders, Smith had a sack and two tackles for a loss.
We’ll find out after the MRI how severe Highsmith’s injury ultimately is, but at least the early signs are promising that it doesn’t appear to be anything more than what sounds to be a low ankle sprain.
