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Steelers Receive Good News on Injured Player After Seahawks Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 2:08 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense struggled to contain the Seattle Seahawks’ balanced attack, allowing 117 yards on the ground and another 295 through the air in a 31-17 Week 2 defeat at Acrisure Stadium.

Despite the frustrating loss, Steelers fans received a positive update on linebacker Alex Highsmith’s status entering Week 3.

Highsmith recorded one solo tackle before departing in the second quarter. After the game, coach Mike Tomlin labeled it a "high-ankle sprain," a typically four- to six-week injury that often triggers a stint on Injured Reserve (IR).

However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the veteran edge rusher is unlikely to land on injured reserve, keeping him available for the next game, offering up a silver lining in an otherwise difficult outing.

#Steelers LB Alex Highsmith, who left Sunday's game with what Mike Tomlin called a high-ankle sprain, is not likely to be placed on IR, sources say. That's good news, an indication that it's not as serious as first believed. IR would knock him out four games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2025

The Steelers jumped ahead with two Chris Boswell field goals, one from 48 yards in the first quarter and another from 48 yards in the second, before Aaron Rodgers connected with D.K. Metcalf on a two-yard touchdown and two-point conversion to make it 14-7 late in the first half.

Seattle responded immediately after halftime as Sam Darnold engineered an 80-yard drive, capping it with a 7-yard AJ Barner touchdown.

Momentum firmly shifted in the fourth quarter as Jason Myers drilled a 54-yard field goal, then special-teams ace George Holani fell on a live kickoff in the end zone when Steelers returner Kaleb Johnson turned away, giving the Seahawks a decisive 24-14 lead.

Kenneth Walker III’s 19-yard touchdown run with 3:41 remaining then sealed the game.

Pittsburgh (1-1) now travels to Gillette Stadium on Sunday to face the New England Patriots (1-1) in a critical early-season showdown.

New England enters Week 3 riding a 33-27 road win over the Miami Dolphins, highlighted by Drake Maye's 19-of-23 completed passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, alongside another 31 yards and a score on the ground.

ESPN BET opened the Steelers as a 1.5-point favorite, with a 44.5-point over/under on the total. However, ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Patriots the slight edge, noting a 50.1% chance of success.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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