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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.

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Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."