As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for their much-anticipated showdown against their divisional rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, they find themselves navigating the choppy waters of player injuries—a reality all too familiar in the unforgiving world of professional football. Chief among these concerns is the injury sustained by Alex Highsmith, a key component of the Steelers' defensive unit.
Alex Highsmith's Injury Blow
During a game against the Washington Commanders, Highsmith found himself the victim of a non-contact injury, an occurrence often dreaded by athletes and coaches alike. As he pursued Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels, Highsmith's ankle buckled, leaving the Steelers' coaching staff to grapple with the implications of his absence. It was soon revealed that Highsmith had suffered a low ankle sprain, an injury that, while concerning, comes with a relatively optimistic recovery window. According to statements made by Highsmith's father on social media, "The projected recovery time is 2-3 weeks," giving Pittsburgh hope that their pass-rushing ace will return to the field before the season's end.
In the interim, the Steelers must look to their roster to replace Highsmith's production and presence on the field. Enter Preston Smith, a recent acquisition from the Green Bay Packers. Known for his physicality and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, Smith will be expected to step into Highsmith's role, at least temporarily. Meanwhile, Nick Herbig, who has been sidelined for four games due to a hamstring injury, is poised to make his comeback. Herbig made a substantial impact in the early part of the season, recording 2.5 sacks in just three appearances. His return could provide a much-needed spark to the Steelers' defense.
Steelers vs. Ravens: A Storied Rivalry
As Pittsburgh contends with these changes, they prepare to face a Ravens team that has been a formidable adversary over the years. The Steelers currently boast a 7-2 record, while Baltimore trails closely behind at 7-3. This matchup, however, is not just about league standings; it's a continuation of a rivalry that has produced intense games over the past decades. Pittsburgh has had the upper hand in recent history, winning 11 of the last 15 clashes against Baltimore since 2016.
Success Against Lamar Jackson
One of the more intriguing facets of this rivalry is Pittsburgh's success against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Steelers have managed to secure victories in three of the four games in which Jackson has been the quarterback. Their ability to neutralize one of the NFL's most dynamic players speaks volumes about the strategic prowess of the Steelers' coaching staff and the talent on their roster.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes are on how the Steelers will adapt to the absence of Highsmith and whether newcomers and returning players can fill the void. With stakes as high as ever, both teams are primed for a fierce contest, each determined to emerge victorious in what promises to be another classic chapter in their storied rivalry.