Steelers’ Alex Highsmith suffers ankle injury late in win, leaves stadium on crutches

LANDOVER, Md. — Alex Highsmith was spotted walking without hindrance, but he was using crutches when he left the visitor’s locker room at Northwest Stadium.

A Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, Highsmith suffered an ankle injury late in Sunday’s 28-27 win against the Washington Commanders. Highsmith was on the pass rush when after just missing out on a sack of Jayden Daniels he turned his left ankle.

Highsmith stayed down on the field for several moments and was attended to by Steelers training personnel before walking off gingerly.

Coach Mike Tomlin after the game did not provide any substantive update on Highsmith.

The Steelers this past week added veteran Preston Smith to their OLB position group, which includes star T.J. Watt. The former top backup, Nick Herbig, has missed the past four games because of a hamstring injury. Jeremiah Moon is the next man up on the depth chart after Smith.

Jackson also leaves

Starting cornerback Donte Jackson did not play after suffering a hamstring injury late in the third quarter. Jackson initially was announced as “questionable” to return to the game but later downgraded.

James Pierre took his place as an outside corner opposite Joey Porter Jr.

Jackson was in the Steelers’ locker room after the game without any visible obvious limp or apparatus on a leg.

Harris returns to game

Running back Najee Harris writhed in pain after a carry early during the fourth quarter and did not play any of the ensuing eight snaps of that possession. Harris, though, did return for the Steelers’ next drive. He had five carries the rest of the way.

After the game, Harris told reporters it was his ankle that was injured and that he would be getting it evaluated.