Highsmith (groin) returned to practice Tuesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith was injured in practice a little over two weeks ago but was back on the field Tuesday, giving him plenty of time to get ready for the start of the regular season Sept. 7 against the Jets. Highsmith appeared in just 11 regular-season games last year, finishing with 45 tackles (28 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that Highsmith will be sidelined for a few days while he works through a groin injury, Nick reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith suffered the injury during Sunday's practice, and given Tomlin's comments, it seems unlikely that the linebacker will be available for the Steelers' preseason opener against the Jaguars on Saturday. Pittsburgh won't rush Highsmith to return given it's training camp, which will give Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer and DeMarvin Leal more opportunities to work with the first-team defense.

Highsmith (groin) suffered a groin injury at the Steelers' practice Sunday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith hobbled off the field early, and the severity of his groin injury is still to be determined. The linebacker was already unlikely to play many snaps in Saturday's preseason opener against the Jaguars, so the team won't feel any pressure to rush him back.

Highsmith finished the 2024 regular season with 45 tackles, including 6.0 sacks, along with two pass defenses and a forced fumble in 11 contests.

EDGE Analysis

While Highsmith had one less sack than in 2023, his total came in six fewer games. The veteran linebacker missed time with injuries to both his groin and ankle, but when active he was a key contributor for Pittsburgh's defense. Highsmith should remain in that role next season in what will be the second year of the four-year extension he signed last July.

Highsmith recorded eight tackles (six solo), including 1.0 sacks, in the Steelers' loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith's eight tackles marked a new season high, and he's now logged one sack in back-to-back games since returning from a three-game absence. On the year, Highsmith is up to 30 tackles (19 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and 13 QB hits through eight appearances.

Highsmith recorded three tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks and an additional tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

The linebacker returned with a strong game after missing the previous three contests due to an ankle injury. Highsmith now has 22 tackles (13 solo), including 4.0 sacks, and a pass breakup in 2024.

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

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith missed the Steelers' last three games due to an ankle injury. He started the week out with a limited session Wednesday, but he was a full participant in Thursday's practice and mentioned afterwards that his ankle is "feeling so much better." Highsmith's return for Sunday's game against the Browns bolsters an already elite edge rushing corps of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Preston Smith.

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

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that he expects Highsmith to return for the Steelers' Week 14 matchup against the Browns, and Wednesday's limited session is a positive step in that direction. However, the 27-year-old's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best insight into whether he can return for Sunday's divisional contest.

Highsmith (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith also handled a limited practice the Friday before Pittsburgh's contest at Cincinnati in Week 13, but he ultimately wasn't able to suit up for that game. He said Wednesday though that his ankle felt better than it did the week prior, and he's now presumably on track to play Sunday versus the Browns.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Highsmith (ankle) to play in Sunday's game against the Browns, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Highsmith has missed the last three games but appears ready to return for this week's divisional tilt. Through six games, Highsmith has tallied three sacks among his 19 tackles (11 solo) on the season. Highsmith will rejoin T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Preston Smith as the Steelers' primary edge rushers.