Steelers' Alex Highsmith Returns to Practice After Brief Absence

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 12: Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

In a positive turn of events, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has returned to practice following a brief absence. Highsmith sat out the team's practice on Wednesday during their mandatory minicamp, raising eyebrows as it coincided with the signing of teammate Nick Herbig to a lucrative four-year, $100 million contract extension the day prior. This deal elevated Herbig's position to the second-highest paid player among edge rushers on the Steelers, pushing Highsmith down to third.

As speculation began to swirl regarding Highsmith's absence, Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten quickly clarified the situation through social media, stating that the linebacker missed practice due to an illness. Following the minicamp, Highsmith was back on the field when organized team activities resumed on Monday, where he was spotted practicing in the Steelers' photo gallery, notably highlighted by Steelers Depot's Alex Kozora.

While the Steelers' decision to grant Herbig a significant contract alongside already paying Highsmith and T.J. Watt raises questions about the future of their linebacker corps, insiders have indicated that there is currently no intention to trade any of the three players this offseason. For the moment, the Steelers maintain a strong and talented group of outside linebackers.