Pittsburgh Steelers Start Season 3-0 Amidst Highsmith Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers have kicked off their season with an impressive 3-0 record, but they will face an early test of depth and resilience due to a recent injury to key defensive player Alex Highsmith. Highsmith, a vital component of the Steelers' formidable edge duo with T.J. Watt, is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks after sustaining a groin injury.
Highsmith's injury, which occurred during the first half of Pittsburgh's Week 3 match against the Los Angeles Chargers, is not considered major and will not require surgery. Despite this, the Steelers will miss his presence on the field as he recovers. Before exiting the game, Highsmith had played 25 snaps, notably less than his usual workload of 49 snaps in each of the first two games of the season.
Since joining the Steelers, Highsmith has consistently demonstrated his value, amassing 27.5 sacks and 159 pressures between 2021 and 2023. With a pressure rate of 11.4% during that span, he has partnered effectively with Watt, who boasted an even higher pressure rate of 15.1%. Together, they have been one of the NFL's most dynamic pass-rushing duos.
In Highsmith's absence, the Steelers are likely to lean on Nick Herbig to fill the void. Herbig, a 2023 fourth-round pick, made a strong case for himself during the game against the Chargers. He not only recorded a pair of sacks but also forced a fumble and made three run stops, showing the kind of impact he can have on the defense.
Herbig's performance comes on the heels of a rookie season where he logged three sacks in just 17% of the team's defensive snaps, indicating he could be ready for a more prominent role in the defense. The Steelers will need continued strong performances from Herbig as they face a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against the Colts, Cowboys, and Raiders over the next few weeks.
The Steelers' defense has long been a cornerstone of their success, and maintaining that defensive prowess will be crucial as they aim to continue their strong start. While Highsmith's injury is a setback, the team's depth and ability to adapt will be tested, and promising players like Herbig have a chance to step up and fill the void.
With an undefeated record on the line, the Steelers have every incentive to rally around their injured teammate and prove that they can overcome adversity early in the season. The upcoming games will provide a clearer picture of how the team compensates for the temporary loss of one of its key defenders and whether they can maintain their momentum moving forward.