The Pittsburgh Steelers got back in the win column with a Week 9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Pittsburgh snapped a two-game skid on Sunday. But perhaps more importantly, the Steelers’ struggling defense stepped up. Pittsburgh put Daniel Jones’ redemption arc on hold, turning the Colts' QB over five times in Week 9.
It was a statement game for the Steelers, who remain atop the AFC North at 5-3 despite the team’s disappointing defensive performance over the first half of the season. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is facing yet another injury concern after the strong showing.
Alex Highsmith popped up on the team’s injury report on Wednesday, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. The Steelers’ star linebacker missed practice with an ankle ailment.
It’s too soon to tell if Wednesday’s DNP will impact the sixth-year veteran’s availability in Week 10. However, the injury is cause for some concern as Highsmith suffered a high-ankle sprain earlier this season that sidelined him for two games.
Alex Highsmith added to injury report ahead of Week 10
Highsmith was forced to leave the Steelers’ Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks early due to the injury. While he avoided the IR, which would have cost him a minimum of four games, Highsmith did miss time with the sprain.
In Week 9, the former third-round pick feasted on the Colts. Highsmith sacked Jones twice and forced a fumble while racking up four tackles. It was part of a defensive effort that Aaron Rodgers described as getting a “big elephant off” their back.
The Steelers went all-in this offseason, adding Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, among others. The results through the first nine weeks have been mixed. But with the AFC North stumbling out of the gate, Pittsburgh has managed to control the division so far.
Still, the Steelers expected to boast a difference-making defensive unit. Instead, the team ranks 30th in total defense and 32nd against the pass. The situation became even more dire when safety DeShon Elliott suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury in Week 8.
Pittsburgh responded by adding Kyle Dugger in a trade with the New England Patriots. The veteran defensive back’s presence, along with Jalen Ramsey’s versatility in the secondary, helped stabilize the unit.
Week 9’s effort was a step in the right direction for the Steelers. But Mike Tomlin and company can ill afford to lose Highsmith for Sunday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
