The good news in regards to outside linebackers wasn’t limited to one player for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.
On the day a lucrative contract extension for T.J. Watt was announced, the Steelers’ other starter at the position was back to full participation in practice. Alex Highsmith officially was listed as questionable to play in Sunday’s regular-season opener at the Buffalo Bills.
Highsmith did not practice at all Thursday and was limited Wednesday, per the injury report. Making it through a full practice Friday is an encouraging development for Highsmith, the second-year player and first-year starter who is dealing with a groin injury.
The Steelers have the luxury of former Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram as a backup at outside linebacker. But with Watt perhaps on a snap count after missing team drills until camp’s closing days, Ingram will be needed to spell Watt at times, too.
Highsmith is the only player on the 53-man roster for which there is any doubt will be cleared to play Sunday. Veteran defensive lineman Tyson Alualu (elbow), rookie starting center Kendrick Green (thumb) and receiver James Washington (finger) are dealing with injuries that will not affect their status for Sunday’s game.
Green and Alualu practiced fully Friday. Washington was a late addition to the injury report; he apparently suffered his injury during Friday’s practice. He was listed as limited.
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