Alex Highsmith, Vet TE Lead Steelers Inactives vs. Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is helped off the field after an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 10, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, tight end MyCole Pruitt, running back Jonathan Ward, and offensive lineman Max Scharping will all be inactive for Sunday afternoon’s rivalry game against the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced.

Highsmith was diagnosed with a low ankle sprain after being injured in the Steelers’ win at Washington last Sunday. He’s registered 19 total tackles this season, including three sacks.

The Steelers will have somewhat of a reprieve opposite T.J. Watt as Nick Herbig will return against Baltimore. Herbig got back to practice earlier this week and will be counted on to chase the Ravens’ two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson from the opposite side of T.J. Watt. Herbig had 2.5 sacks before suffering a hamstring against Dallas in Week 5.

Along with Herbig, the Steelers have depth with Preston Smith, a recent trade acquisition from the Green Bay Packers who made his team debut against the Commanders. In his 10th NFL go-round, Smith has put up 69.5 career sacks.

Pruitt, a first-year Steeler, has played for six different teams. He has two receptions for 19 yards this year as depth behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, with Freiermuth being the team’s main receiving threat at that postion.

Baltimore’s inactive players include former Steelers cornerback Arthur Maulet, running back Rasheen Ali, safety Eddie Jackson, center Nick Samac, wide receiver Devontez Walker, and outside linebacker David Ojabo.

The AFC North rivalry matchup figures to have its share of bumps and bruises as one of the most physical in football. The result between the teams has typically been tight in recent memory.

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