The Pittsburgh Steelers’ hopes for a dominant defensive campaign in 2025 have been dealt a crushing blow as star outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered what the team fears could be a severe groin injury during a recent practice session. The setback comes at a time when expectations were high for a revamped Steelers defense ready to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Now, those ambitions hang in the balance, as the team anxiously awaits the results of further medical evaluations to determine the full extent of Highsmith’s injury.
Highsmith, who signed a four-year, \$68 million contract extension with the team in 2023, had emerged as one of the cornerstones of Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. His breakout 2022 campaign, which featured 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, catapulted him into the upper echelon of edge rushers across the league. Last season, he continued to build on that success, forming a fearsome tandem with perennial All-Pro T.J. Watt and giving the Steelers one of the most explosive pass-rushing duos in football. With both players healthy, Pittsburgh’s defense had the tools to dominate—controlling the edge, setting the tone on third down, and creating turnovers with ruthless efficiency.
But now, with Highsmith sidelined and his status for the regular season uncertain, the Steelers face more questions than answers. The groin injury reportedly occurred during a non-contact drill—often the most ominous type of injury because it suggests something tore or strained under minimal stress. Witnesses at the practice facility say Highsmith immediately went down and clutched his upper thigh, later needing assistance to get off the field. While no official timetable has been announced, initial reports suggest the team fears a Grade 2 or even Grade 3 groin strain, which could mean weeks—if not months—of recovery. Surgery has not yet been ruled out.
This development comes at the worst possible time for Pittsburgh. With training camp ramping up and preseason games around the corner, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was looking to fine-tune a defense that had started to coalesce into a potentially top-five unit. The Steelers spent the offseason bolstering their secondary and interior defensive line, hoping to complement the edge rush pressure that Highsmith and Watt consistently provided. Without Highsmith, however, the entire scheme could begin to unravel.
One of the major impacts of this injury is the ripple effect it has on the rest of the roster. Nick Herbig, a fourth-round draft pick in 2023, flashed potential in limited snaps last season and could be next in line for an expanded role. But asking a second-year player to step into Highsmith’s shoes is a massive leap—especially when facing quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson within the AFC North. Herbig has shown burst off the line and a good motor, but lacks the technical refinement and power that Highsmith brings. The Steelers may also look to free agency or the trade market, but options are limited this late into the offseason.
Furthermore, the psychological impact on the defense cannot be overstated. Highsmith wasn’t just productive—he was a tone-setter. Teammates frequently pointed to his work ethic and relentless pursuit of excellence as a motivating force in the locker room. His presence on the edge gave Watt the freedom to freelance, knowing he had a dependable partner sealing the opposite side. Without that trust and rhythm, the defense could lose its cohesion, forcing the coaching staff to redesign blitz packages and adjust coverage schemes.
Coach Mike Tomlin, known for his stoicism in the face of adversity, addressed the media with characteristic composure, saying, “We’re evaluating Alex right now, and until we have the results, we’re not going to speculate. But let me be clear: this is the NFL, and we don’t flinch. We prepare the next man up.” It’s a familiar refrain from Tomlin, who’s seen his share of injuries during his tenure. But even he must recognize that replacing someone of Highsmith’s caliber is not as simple as promoting a backup.
Adding to the pressure is the fact that Pittsburgh is facing one of the league’s most brutal opening stretches this season. The Steelers begin with back-to-back road games against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a divisional showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. In each of those games, edge pressure will be essential to disrupting timing-based offenses and mobile quarterbacks. If Highsmith can’t suit up, Pittsburgh could find itself digging out of an early hole in the standings.
The financial investment in Highsmith also complicates matters. With a substantial portion of his deal guaranteed, the Steelers had counted on him being a durable presence through at least the 2026 season. Groin injuries, particularly those involving tears, have a notorious track record of lingering or recurring—especially for players whose job depends on explosive lower-body movements. If Highsmith is forced to undergo surgery, there’s a very real chance he could miss half the season, if not more. And if he tries to come back too soon, he could compromise his long-term effectiveness.
The fanbase, always passionate and fiercely loyal, has taken to social media with a mix of concern and defiant optimism. Some see this as an opportunity for younger players like Herbig or even a dark horse like Jeremiah Moon to emerge. Others have turned their eyes to the front office, urging general manager Omar Khan to scour the waiver wire or make an aggressive trade. One name that has surfaced is veteran edge rusher Justin Houston, who remains a free agent and could provide short-term relief if the Steelers decide experience is more valuable than youth in this situation.
But the truth is, replacing a player like Alex Highsmith is not just about sacks or tackles for loss—it’s about chemistry, leadership, and timing. Every snap he’s on the field gives Watt and the interior linemen a clearer understanding of their responsibilities. Remove that piece, and the entire chessboard shifts. Quarterbacks can double Watt with more confidence. Offensive coordinators can run to the edge with less fear. The Steelers defense goes from predatory to reactionary—and that’s a dangerous shift for a team that had playoff ambitions.
Meanwhile, Highsmith’s injury underscores the brutal reality of life in the NFL. The margin between success and failure is often razor-thin, and one bad step can derail months of planning. Highsmith had just begun to cement his reputation as a top-tier pass rusher—justified by both his stats and the respect he earned from peers around the league. Now, he faces the grueling road of rehab, uncertainty, and the mental battle of watching from the sidelines while his team pushes forward without him.
It also raises questions about conditioning protocols, practice intensity, and whether the team’s training staff is doing enough to prevent soft-tissue injuries. The Steelers have generally had good injury luck in recent seasons, but this incident could prompt a reexamination of how players are ramped up during training camp. Groin injuries can be caused by poor hydration, overuse, or even biomechanical issues—all of which need to be assessed if the team wants to avoid further setbacks to key personnel.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the MRI results and subsequent updates from the Steelers’ medical staff. The team will likely keep things close to the vest, but if surgery is required or the injury is confirmed to be a complete tear, expect the franchise to shift gears rapidly. That could mean roster cuts to free up cap space, veteran workouts, or even a surprise signing.
Until then, the Steelers will lean on their culture—a culture built on toughness, accountability, and resilience. Watt will have to carry more of the load. The secondary, now featuring Minkah Fitzpatrick and rookie sensation Cam Taylor-Britt, will be tasked with covering longer as the pass rush potentially slows. And players like Herbig will have the opportunity of a lifetime to prove they belong under the bright lights of Heinz Field on Sunday afternoons.
But no matter how you frame it, the loss of Alex Highsmith is a gut punch to a team that had its sights set on making noise in the AFC. It’s not the end—but it’s a major obstacle. And in a division as unforgiving as the AFC North, even a small stumble can lead to a season’s unraveling. The Steelers, true to their legacy, won’t roll over. But make no mistake—the problems are mounting in Pittsburgh, and the clock is already ticking.
