While the team and player await these results, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes an absence of two to three games is “likely”. Highsmith treated a groin injury early in the year, but returned in time to play in the Steelers’ final three games. Missing him for any length of time would hurt the team’s momentum.

Highsmith formed a highly effective tandem with TJ Watt during his tenure in Pittsburgh. The former third-round pick emerged as a full-time starter in 2022, posting six sacks that year. Highsmith followed up with a career-best 14.5 (along with five forced fumbles) and last season, added seven more to his career total. That production earned him a four-year, $68 million extension and raised expectations for the current campaign.

The 27-year-old has totaled three sacks so far this year and will be counted on to remain a starter once healthy. However, Pittsburgh has made it a priority to have veteran depth in the OLB3 role in recent seasons, and 2024 is no different. The Steelers have acquired Preston Smith before last week’s trade deadline after the Packers granted his request to move. The 31-year-old has 156 caps so will be able to carve out a first-team role for now.

As Dulac adds, Nick Herbig he is expected to return to the lineup this week. He’s made a pair of starts in his five appearances this year (which, of course, came before the addition of Smith), so he’ll be a candidate to handle a rotational role along the edge in as Highsmith recovers. The latter’s return will give Pittsburgh an impressive list of options to complement Watt at the end of the year.

Pittsburgh’s win on Sunday leaves the team atop the AFC North with a 7-2 record. A crucial division matchup against the 7-3 Ravens looms, and Highsmith not being available for that game would be notable for the Steelers defense. Further updates on his prognosis will be worth watching closely.