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Steelers Place Star LB Alex Highsmith on IR After Brutal Ankle Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers' star pass rusher on crutches after suffering ankle  injury - pennlive.com

Pittsburgh, PA – September 14, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a brutal hit to their defense. Star linebacker Alex Highsmith has officially been placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain in Sunday’s 24–17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the diagnosis postgame, describing it as a “serious setback.” Highsmith is expected to miss four to six weeks, sidelining him through a critical stretch of the schedule.

The injury occurred in the second quarter, forcing Highsmith out after recording just one tackle. His absence only deepened the frustration of a day defined by miscues — from special teams blunders to Aaron Rodgers’ late interception that sealed Pittsburgh’s defeat.

Through two games this season, Highsmith has notched five tackles and one sack, but his leadership alongside T.J. Watt has been invaluable. Coming off a 2024 campaign with 45 tackles and six sacks, he had firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the defense.

Now, with Highsmith on IR, the Steelers will have to rely on depth pieces and practice-squad call-ups to fill the void. Younger players will be thrust into the spotlight, facing the immediate challenge of a Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots.

The Seahawks wasted no time exploiting Pittsburgh’s struggles, including a bizarre kickoff miscue by rookie Kaleb Johnson that directly led to a touchdown. It was the kind of afternoon that underscored how thin the margin for error has become for the Steelers.

For a proud franchise built on defensive identity, this loss is a gut punch. How Pittsburgh responds without one of its leaders will go a long way in determining whether this season survives the storm — or sinks under the weight of mounting injuries.

Ravens Update Quarterback Depth Amid Controversies - Re-signed Pro Bowl Star to QB2
Baltimore, MD – October 7, 2025 Following Cooper Rush's disappointing performance in the humiliating 10-44 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday (October 6), the Baltimore Ravens are facing intense debates about their quarterback room depth. With Lamar Jackson still nursing a hamstring injury and potentially missing the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams (scheduled for Week 6), the big question arises: Should Tyler Huntley – the former Ravens Pro Bowl star – get the starting nod over Rush? Huntley, 27 years old, was re-signed by the Ravens to the practice squad at the end of August 2025 and quickly elevated to QB2 for Week 5. He served as the Ravens' backup QB from 2020-2024, leading the team to the playoffs in 2022 and earning a Pro Bowl replacement spot thanks to his impressive performances filling in for Jackson. With experience in 9 starts (3-6 record), Huntley brings familiarity to the Ravens' offensive system, particularly his mobility and game-reading skills – something Rush seemed to lack in the Texans loss, where he completed only 18/34 passes with 1 TD and 2 INTs, resulting in the offense scoring just 10 points. The controversy exploded on social media, with the hashtag #RavensFlock divided. Many fans support Huntley: "Rush has proven he's not the solution. Huntley knows the system, knows how to win games – put him in!" (from account @RavensFanatic on X). Meanwhile, others defend Rush, arguing he needs time to adapt after transferring from the Dallas Cowboys: "Rush just started his first game for us. Don't rush to conclusions – he has playoff experience!" However, Rush's performance (only 189 passing yards, no big plays) has raised concerns about the depth chart, especially with Jackson possibly out for another 1-2 weeks. Head coach John Harbaugh hasn't commented directly, but in the post-Texans press conference, he hinted at a reevaluation: "We have multiple quality options at QB. Tyler is ready, and we'll choose the one best suited to win." ESPN insiders report that Huntley has been practicing fully and performing well, potentially being promoted to official QB2 if Jackson misses the Rams game – a crucial matchup for the Ravens (currently 1-4) to salvage their season. Signing Huntley – a Pro Bowl star – is seen as a smart move amid the controversies, boosting the Ravens' depth and flexibility. If Huntley gets "the nod" to start, it could be his chance to prove his value, just like his previous fill-ins for Jackson. Ravens fans are awaiting the decision – will "Snoop" (Huntley's nickname) return to save the team? Follow updates from baltimoreravens.com for more details. #RavensFlock #QBControversy