Alex Highsmith, Darius Slay out, Isaac Seumalo questionable for Steelers vs. Bengals

Four weeks after the Cincinnati Bengals pummeled them for 470 yards in a win, the Pittsburgh Steelers will enter the rematch without two of their starters on defense.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and cornerback Darius Slay were officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against Cincinnati, according to the league-mandated injury report. Highsmith did not practice all week after suffering a pectoral injury during last week’s loss at the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Highsmith finished out that game, Slay left it and did not return because of a concussion. Slay returned to practice Friday, albeit listed as a limited participant.

Nick Herbig will start in place of Highsmith with rookie Jack Sawyer playing a more significant role at outside linebacker. It’s possible the team promotes a player from the practice squad to serve as OLB4 against Cincinnati.

James Pierre is scheduled to start in place of Slay.

“(Pierre is) capable of getting the job done, making plays, having really tight coverage, sticky coverage, communicating really well out there,” Steelers veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey said Friday. “There’s not a drop-off in our communication or his preparedness to be ready to play in the games. I feel comfortable out there with him on the edge, so I expect that and some plays to be made.”

A practice-squad promotion likely to serve as the third outside CB (though slot/nickel Brandin Echols can line up on the outside). While fans will clamor for newly signed Asante Samuel Jr. to get a call-up, he has practiced only three times and has played no NFL games in 14 months as he’s recovered from a spinal injury.

D’Shawn Jamison and undrafted rookie Daryl Porter are other cornerbacks on the practice squad. Jamison has 15 regular-season games of NFL experience (in 2023 with the Carolina Panthers).

Seumalo up in air, Jones OK

The news was slightly better for the Steelers on the offensive line. Left tackle Broderick Jones was given the official green light after a gradual ascension throughout the week from “did not practice” to “limited” to “full” practice as he dealt with a groin injury.

Left guard Isaac Seumalo, though, was downgraded to a “DNP” Friday after he had been a limited participant the prior two days. Seumalo missed the Chargers game because of a pectoral injury. He is deemed questionable to play, and if he cannot, Spencer Anderson and Andrus Peat will fill in at left guard.

Miller, Peppers cleared

Reserve receiver Scotty Miller (finger) and safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) each were given a green light to play Sunday after each missed multiple games. Both practiced fully this week.

Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. continues to miss practice and remains on injured reserve.