Highsmith has generated 73 pressures from 9 technique alignments, T-3rd most in the NFL this season

Generated a career-high 17.2% pressure rate this season and 8 more QBP than any other PIT defender

Restructures deal

Highsmith and the Steelers agreed Wednesday to restructure his contract and create roughly $7 million in cap space, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Highsmith is likely converting a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, with Rapaport calling the move a "simple" restructure. The 2020 third-round pick notched seven sacks across 17 regular-season appearances in 2023, a far cry from his career-high 14.5 sacks in 2022. Nonetheless, he remains an integral part of Pittsburgh's defense for the foreseeable future.

Racks up seven sacks in 2023

Highsmith tallied 57 tackles (34 solo), including 7.0 sacks, along with two interceptions, three pass defenses, two forced fumbles and a touchdown over 17 games during the 2023 season.

Analysis: Highsmith recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2022 and was unable to come close to that mark in 2023, but he still put together a decent stat line during his fourth professional season. The 26-year-old had some inconsistent performances but was on the field for 80 percent of the team's defensive snaps. He signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 campaign, so he should continue to play a prominent role on the team's defense next year.

Nabs sack and INT in Week 16 win

Highsmith recorded one tackle (a sack) and picked off a pass Saturday in a 34-11 victory over the Bengals.

Analysis: Highsmith made two big plays in the second half, sacking Jake Browning in the red zone late in the third quarter to help hold the Bengals to a field-goal attempt and then ending Cincinnati's next drive with an interception. The pickoff was Highsmith's second of the year while the sack was his seventh. The linebacker is unlikely to match the 14.5 sacks he recorded last season, but he's already reached the second-highest mark of his four-year career.

Cleared for Saturday

The Steelers announced Thursday that Highsmith has cleared concussion protocol and won't have an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: Highsmith had initially been listed as questionable upon the release of the Steelers' final Week 15 injury report, but after turning in a full practice Thursday, the linebacker passed the final phase of the concussion protocol by gaining clearance from an independent neurologist. The Steelers will thus have both of their starting edge rushers available for Saturday, as T.J. Watt cleared concussion protocol Wednesday.

Limited in practice

Highsmith (concussion) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Highsmith left Thursday's 21-18 loss to the Patriots with what was reported to be a neck injury, though he entered the league's concussion protocols the next day. He'll have to pass the NFL's five-step protocol -- which includes an evaluation from an independent neurologist -- in order to be available for Saturday's game against the Colts. Highsmith has 49 tackles (27 solo), including six sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown in 13 games this season.

In concussion protocol

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Friday that Highsmith has entered the NFL's concussion protocol following Thursday's 21-18 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Highsmith sustained what was reported as a neck injury in the first half of Thursday's loss and did not return. The good news for Highsmith and the Steelers is that he has over a week to clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol and be ready to play in Week 15 against the Colts.

Downgraded to out

Highsmith (neck) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: The linebacker suffered the neck injury earlier in the first half, walked off on his own and entered the medical tent. Highsmith made two tackles before leaving the game. The fourth-year pro has 49 tackles on the season, including six sacks.

Questionable to return

Highsmith left Thursday night's game against the Patriots with a neck injury and is questionable to return, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Analysis: The linebacker walked off the field on his own and entered the medical tent, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Highsmith made two tackles before exiting. The fourth-year pro has 49 tackles, including six sacks, two passes defensed, an interception and two forced fumbles in 2023.

Gets back into sack column

Highsmith recorded eight tackles (five solo), including 1.5 sacks, in Sunday's 24-10 loss versus the Cardinals.

Analysis: Highsmith's tackle total in Week 13 was a season high, and he registered in the sack column for the first time since Week 9 versus the Titans. He's had a down year compared to his fantastic numbers in 2022, but Highsmith and T.J. Watt still make for a formidable pass-rushing duo.

Pair of sacks in win

Highsmith recorded four tackles and two sacks in Thursday's 20-16 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Highsmith entered the game with only 2.5 sacks across his first seven games of the campaign. He nearly doubled that mark in Thursday's contest, as he took down Will Levis twice for a combined minus-10 yards. Highsmith will look to use this contest as momentum to get to the quarterback more consistently across the second half of the season. The Steelers meet the Packers in Week 10.

Will play Sunday

Highsmith (groin) is active Sunday against the Ravens, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Highsmith closed out the week with back-to-back limited practices and was expected to play. His ability to take the field Sunday against Baltimore should be good news for the Steelers defense.

Likely to play

Highsmith (groin) should play Sunday against the Ravens despite his questionable tag, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The linebacker missed practice Thursday and was listed as questionable Friday. Highsmith was a limited participant in practice Friday. The fourth-year pro has 17 tackles, seven quarterback hits, one sack, one pass defensed, one interception and one forced fumble in four starts this season.

Questionable for Sunday vs. Ravens

Highsmith (groin) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus Baltimore, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith returned to practice in a limited capacity Friday after missing Thursday's session, giving himself a shot to suit up for Week 5. If he can't go, it would open up additional pass-rushing opportunities for Markus Golden.

Dealing with groin injury

Highsmith (groin) did not participate at practice Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The groin issue is presumably a new one for Highsmith, who is coming off a Week 4 loss to the Texans in which he played 61 snaps. His status for Week 5 is now in jeopardy, and he'll probably have to practice in some capacity Friday to have a chance to suit up versus Baltimore.

Productive in win

Highsmith tallied seven tackles (five solo), a sack, a forced fumble and returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown Monday in the Steelers' 26-22 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Highsmith racked up seven tackles for a second consecutive week, and he also forced two turnovers during Monday's primetime win, including a strip sack in the fourth quarter that resulted in the go-ahead touchdown on T.J. Watt's scoop and score. The edge rusher saw a slight decline in tackles last season while also recording a career-high 14.5 sacks, and he's remained a productive member of Pittsburgh's defensive unit early in 2023.

Tallies seven tackles

Highsmith logged seven tackles (four solo), including one for a loss, during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: Highsmith landed a four-year contract extension with the Steelers in July, and he performed well in his 2023 debut. The team's defense struggled to contain the 49ers' offense as a whole, but Highsmith tied for second on the team in tackles. He appeared in all 17 games last year and racked up 63 tackles (38 solo), including 14.5 sacks, along with five forced fumbles and a pass defense.

Gets four-year extension

Highsmith agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract extension with the Steelers on Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Highsmith received the big extension just ahead of training camp and will take home $27.7 million in guarantees. The standout pass rusher racked up a career-high 14.5 sacks across 17 games in 2022 to go with 63 tackles (38 solo), five forced fumbles and one pass breakup. Now heading into his age-26 season and set to remain in Pittsburgh for the long haul, Highsmith will again pair up with T.J. Watt to form one of the league's top pass-rush tandems.

Posts career-high sack mark in 2022

Highsmith totaled 63 tackles (38 solo), including 14.5 sacks, along with five forced fumbles and a pass defense over 17 games in 2022.

Analysis: Highsmith's tackle mark was slightly down in 2022 after he posted 74 tackles over 16 appearances in 2021, but he posted career-high totals in sacks and forced fumbles during his third professional season. The 25-year-old finished the year on a high note but matched his second-highest tackle total of the season while logging his second-highest sack total of the year during the Steelers' Week 18 win over Cleveland. Highsmith should continue to see plenty of work for Pittsburgh in 2023.

Notches 10th sack of 2022

Highsmith recorded six tackles (four solo), including one sack, and forced a fumble in Monday's 24-17 win against the Colts.

Analysis: Highsmith increased his sack total to 10 by bringing down veteran signal-caller Matt Ryan for a seven-yard loss in the fourth quarter. The linebacker also caused Ryan to lose the ball before going down, though this fumble was recovered by offensive lineman Will Fries. Highsmith has now accumulated 3.5 sacks since fellow outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who spent seven games on IR with separate knee and pectoral injuries, returned to the field Week 10. These two should continue to form one of the…read more

Records two sacks in victory

Highsmith logged five tackles (three solo), including two sacks, and a forced fumble during the Steelers' 20-10 win over New Orleans on Sunday.

Analysis: Highsmith didn't record any sacks in the two games leading up to the Week 9 bye, but he was productive against the Saints on Sunday to help the Steelers pick up their third win of the season. The 25-year-old now has 8.5 sacks over nine appearances this year, which is tied for the fourth-highest mark in the league.

Takes over NFL sack lead

Highsmith recorded one sack and a forced fumble in Sunday's 20-18 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Though the Steelers would surely love to have T.J. Watt (knee) terrorizing opposing quarterbacks on one of the edges, Highsmith has done his part to pick up the slack in the absence of the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Highsmith's second-quarter takedown of Tom Brady boosted his season total to 6.5 sacks, giving him sole possession of first place in the NFL ahead of seven other players, who are tied with six sacks.

Productive against Cleveland

Highsmith totaled eight tackles (six solo), including 1.5 sacks, during the Steelers' 29-17 loss to the Browns on Thursday.

Analysis: Highsmith has had plenty of playing time over the first three weeks of the season, and he's recorded sacks in two matchups. He was on the field for a season-high 94 percent of Pittsburgh's defensive snaps Thursday and has now racked up 20 tackles (14 solo), including 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble to begin the 2022 campaign.

Slated for increased role

Highsmith will take on an increased role in the Steelers' defense after T.J. Watt (pectoral) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Highsmith performed well during Pittsburgh's season-opening win over the Bengals, racking up nine tackles (six solo), including three sacks, and a forced fumble. He was on the field for 83 percent of the team's defensive snaps and should have the chance to continue making an impact among the Steelers' linebackers since Watt will be unavailable for at least four weeks.

Tallies three sacks

Highsmith logged nine tackles (six solo), including three sacks, and a forced fumble during Sunday's 23-20 overtime win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Highsmith dealt with a rib injury for most of August that prevented him from playing in the preseason, but he wasn't on the injury report ahead of Sunday's season opener. The 25-year-old showed improvement in 2021 and will be expected to handle an increased role among the Steelers' linebackers going forward since T.J. Watt (pectoral) appears to be on track to miss time after sustaining an injury late in Sunday's matchup.

Set to play Week 1

Highsmith (rib) isn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith suffered a rib injury at the beginning of August and didn't play in any of the Steelers' preseason games. However, he appears to be full go ahead of Week 1. The 2020 third-round pick had a breakout sophomore campaign last year, totaling 74 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble. He's currently projected to start as the outside linebacker opposite of T.J. Watt.

Dealing with rib injury

Highsmith suffered a rib injury in practice Monday, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Details of Highsmith's injury are not yet known. The 25-year-old had a breakout sophomore campaign last season, totaling 74 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble. He's currently projected to start at outside linebacker this season.

Sacks Mayfield twice

Highsmith recorded seven tackles -- including two sacks -- in Monday's 26-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: Highsmith and fellow outside linebacker T.J. Watt combined for six of the Steelers' nine sacks on the night. A second-year player out of Charlotte, Highsmith has excelled while moving into a starting role in 2021. Through 15 appearances, he's compiled 70 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble.

On track for Week 15

Highsmith (quadriceps) was a full practice participant Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was forced out of Pittsburgh's Week 14 matchup early with the injury. However, it appears as if he will avoid any additional missed time, and he should return to his key role on defense. Through 12 games this season, Highsmith has recorded 54 total tackles and three sacks.

Appears to have avoided big injury

Highsmith (quadriceps) is expected to have avoided a major injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Highsmith will undergo further medical evaluation Friday after having been forced out of Thursday's loss to the Vikings due to a reported quadriceps issue. Currently, the Steelers appear to believe that the linebacker is dealing with a contusion above his knee. Even if Highsmith has avoided a season-ending injury, it's uncertain whether he'll be available for Week 15 against Tennessee.

Suffered quad issue

Highsmith suffered an injury to his quadriceps and was forced out of Thursday's game against Minnesota, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was originally believed to have suffered a knee injury, but coach Mike Tomlin clarified after the game that it was in fact a quadriceps issue. The positive news is that Highsmith will have 10 days to try to make it back onto the field for Pittsburgh's Week 15 matchup against Tennessee.

Quickly ruled out

Highsmith was ruled out from returning to Thursday's game against the Vikings due to a knee injury, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was originally deemed questionable, but he was ruled out quickly thereafter. The Steelers are now without T.J. Watt (groin) and Highsmith, leaving them thin at outside linebacker. On a more positive note, Highsmith will have 10 days to heal prior to Pittsburgh's next matchup against Tennessee.

Suffers knee injury

Highsmith is questionable to return to Thursday's game due to a knee injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith suffered the injury early in the second half, adding to a growing list of absent linebackers for Pittsburgh. T.J. Watt (groin) has already been ruled out from the game, so Highsmith's potential absence would leave the Steelers with Taco Charlton and Derrek Tuszka as their primary outside linebackers. Highsmith recorded one tackle prior to his exit.

Tallies six tackles

Highsmith recorded six tackles (three solo) and 1.5 sacks in Sunday's 41-37 loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: Highsmith has played at least 78 percent of the Steelers' defensive snaps in each of the last five games, and he led the team in sacks during Sunday's narrow loss. Across his first nine appearances of the season, the 2020 third-rounder has totaled 45 tackles (23 solo) and three sacks.

Double-digit tackles Sunday

Highsmith notched 11 tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Lions.

Analysis: Highsmith recorded a season-high 11 tackles Sunday, but he only has 39 total tackles through eight appearances this season. The second-year linebacker likely isn't a viable IDP option in standard leagues.

Productive against Seattle

Highsmith totaled seven tackles (two solo) and 1.5 sacks in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Seahawks.

Analysis: Highsmith failed to record any sacks across his first four appearances of the season, but he got to quarterback Geno Smith on two occasions in Sunday's overtime victory. He's recorded at least four tackles in four of his five appearances in 2021 and has totaled 21 tackles (11 solo) and 1.5 sacks during that time.

Not listed on injury report

Highsmith (groin) was a full participant in practice Friday and is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Packers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but he appears ready to return to action after registering a full practice Friday. The 24-year-old played 42 defensive snaps and recorded four tackles in each of the first two games of the season. He will likely see a similar workload against the Packers in Week 4.

Ruled out for Week 3

Highsmith (groin) has been ruled out ahead of Week 3, Teresa Varley of Steelers.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith dealt with a groin injury throughout training camp, but he was removed from the injury report ahead of Week 1 and logged 88 defensive snaps over the first two weeks of the season. The 24-year-old's groin injury resurfaced as he landed on the injury report during Tuesday's practice, and he will now be sidelined for Week 3. It's unclear if the issue will keep him out for an extended period.

Groin injury resurfaces

Highsmith (groin) was back on the Steelers' injury report Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Highsmith had been dealing with a groin injury during training camp, but he was removed from the injury report ahead of Week 1 and logged 88 defensive snaps over the first two weeks of the season. It's a bit concerning that the 24-year-old's groin injury has resurfaced, but it may just be a minor issue that he has to deal with throughout the season. Highsmith played in all 16 games as a rookie and registered 48 tackles, two sacks and one interception.

Expected to play Sunday

Highsmith (groin) will play in Sunday's season opener against Buffalo, Steelers Director of Communications Burt Lauten reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was originally listed as questionable with a groin injury, but the linebacker was removed from the status report Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder will be ready to go as the Steelers visit the Bills in Week 1.

Not at practice Thursday

Highsmith (groin) didn't practice Thursday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was a limited participant in practice earlier in the week and was downgraded to 'did not practice' Thursday. This appears to be a setback, which would put his status for Sunday into jeopardy. If Highsmith is unable to go, Melvin Ingram would likely take the majority of his snaps against Buffalo.

Records sack Thursday

Highsmith tallied three tackles (two solo), including one sack, in the Steelers' 16-3 preseason win over the Cowboys in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game.

Analysis: Highsmith is competing with newcomer Melvin Ingram for a starting outside linebacker role ahead of the regular season, and he made an early impact with two tackles behind the line of scrimmage Thursday. The 2020 third-rounder appeared in every game last season and racked up 48 tackles (30 solo), including two sacks, and an interception.

Expected to start in 2021

Highsmith (ankle) should start at outside linebacker next season, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Bud Dupree (knee) signed with the Titans this offseason, opening the door for Highsmith to step into a starting role. A 2020 third-round pick, Highsmith started the last five games of his rookie season after Dupree went down with a torn ACL. Overall, Highsmith recorded 48 tackles, two sacks and an interception across 16 games. He was quite productive as a pass-rusher for UNC-Charlotte in college, so the Steelers are counting on a second-year leap out of Highsmith.

Wild-card round return doubtful

Highsmith (ankle) is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Browns, Steelers Director of Communications Burt Lauten reports.

Analysis: Highsmith was clearly bothered by the injury in the first half and went to the locker room early. He's unlikely to rejoin his teammates in the second half as the Steelers look to erase a large deficit.