The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a sensational start this season, boasting an impressive 3-0 record. However, their recent triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers has come with a significant setback: Alex Highsmith, an essential cog in their defensive machinery, sustained a groin injury that will keep him out for 2-3 weeks.
Highsmith's Impact and Injury
Highsmith's injury occurred during the first half of the Week 3 clash against the Chargers. Despite this setback, the injury is not deemed severe, and fortunately, surgery will not be necessary. Highsmith had to exit the game after playing just 25 snaps, significantly lower than his usual workload of 49 snaps he maintained in the season's first two games.
In his tenure from 2021 to 2023, Highsmith has been a disruptive force for the Steelers' defense, accumulating 27.5 sacks and 159 pressures. His pressure rate stands at 11.4%, a commendable figure, though teammate T.J. Watt boasts an even higher rate of 15.1%.
Herbig Steps Up
With Highsmith on the sidelines, the Steelers are looking to Nick Herbig to rise to the occasion. Herbig has already shown promise this season, delivering an outstanding performance against the Chargers. In that game, he recorded two sacks, forced a fumble, and made three run stops. These contributions were crucial in the Steelers' defensive effort.
Herbig's rookie season statistics are also worth noting. He managed three sacks while playing just 17% of the team's defensive snaps. This efficiency is a promising sign for the Steelers as they prepare for challenging matchups ahead.
Upcoming Challenges
The Steelers' upcoming games include matchups against the Colts, Cowboys, and Raiders. These games will test the mettle of Pittsburgh's defense, which is a cornerstone of their success. The team will need to rely heavily on the depth and resilience of their defensive unit to maintain their perfect start to the season in Highsmith's absence.
As the Steelers navigate this period without one of their key players, the focus will be on maintaining the high defensive standards that have characterized their performances thus far. The contributions of players like Herbig will be instrumental in ensuring that the team continues to perform at an elite level.