Steelers Injury Updates
Ben Roethlisberger Says His Arm Strength ‘Better that Before’
Could Ben Roethlisberger’s passing arm be better than it was before surgery?
That’s a theory that’s been out there since Roethlisberger first went under the knife last fall. The quarterback has drawn rave reviews from his coaches and teammates through the first two weeks of the Steelers’ training camp.
But why might a 38-year-old, surgically repaired elbow be better than it was before the injury?
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert hinted during the 2020 NFL Combine that Roethlisberger may have had a nagging injury that was also corrected by the surgery, and Roethlisberger confirmed that during the first episode of his documentary Bigger Than Ben, which was released on Wednesday.
He said he suffered a minor tear of one of his elbow flexor tendons way back in his rookie season, and it’s something that has caused him minor pain and soreness throughout his career.
Now, that pain is gone.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve gone through the same routine, with a full day and then a half day off,” Roethlisberger said Thursday. “I even went three days in a row last week. It’s been feeling really good.”
While Roethlisberger did not undergo Tommy John surgery, has had been widely speculated, baseball pitchers that undergo that procedure also generally see an uptick in velocity after they return to the mound on a surgically repaired ligament. He said he’s seen a little results in training camp that could lend some credence to the theory.
“I think I feel really good making some of the deeper, down the field throws,” Roethlisberger said. “One of the practices, I think last week, I wasn’t able to step into it and I threw a go ball down the sideline. It felt like when it left my hand, it was going to be short, and it ended up making it there in stride. I was pleasantly surprised with how my arm strength has come back, maybe a little better than it was before.”
PITTSBURGH — Steelers rookie linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered an ankle injury that will require an MRI in Sunday’s playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Highsmith left the game in the first half and was seen limping on the Pittsburgh sideline. He made an attempt to return to the game, but was unable to continue playing and did not see the field at all in the second half.
In-game, the Steelers announced that Highsmith was doubtful to return with an ankle injury. After the fact, head coach Mike Tomlin said that Highsmith suffered a high ankle sprain. Highsmith’s father posted on Twitter early on Monday morning that Highsmith will require an MRI on his injured ankle.
Not the way we wanted the season to end but I am thankful to have been a part of this amazing ride! The Highsmith Family is proud to wear the Black & Gold and we look forward to more success in the future! Please pray for Alex as he gets an MRI tomorrow on his ankle! #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/JJA4PpZpvx
— Sam Highsmith (@SHighsmithClan) January 11, 2021
Given that Highsmith was able to walk and even run in short bursts after the injury, it does not seem likely that it will impact his offseason training plans.
The team’s third-round draft pick out of Charlotte, Highsmith was thrust into a starting role after starting outside linebacker Bud Dupree suffered an ACL injury that required surgery.
On the season, Highsmith played in 16 regular season game and made five starts. He finished with 48 tackles, five for a loss, six quarterback hits, one interception and one pass defended.
With Dupree set to become an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to return, Highsmith should be expected to retain his starting role in 2021.
PITTSBURGH — Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has left the team’s Wild Card Round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns with an ankle injury and is doubtful to return, the team announced.
Highsmith suffered the injury in the first half and attempted to return to play, but was unable to continue.
He was replaced on the field by a combination of third-year backup Ola Adeniyi and Cassius Marsh, who was signed from the Indianapolis practice squad in December.
Highsmith had been replacing starter Bud Dupree, who was lost for the season to an ACL injury.
In the regular season, Highsmith appeared in all 16 games and made five starts. He had two sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and one pass defended.
The rookie out of Charlotte was the Steelers’ third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Steelers Injury Updates
Steelers Injury Updates: JuJu Smith-Schuster Practiced Fully Friday, Chris Boswell Limited
The Pittsburgh Steelers are relatively healthy entering their opening round playoff matchup with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, as only kicker Chris Boswell was listed on the team’s injury report as being less than a full participant in practice on Friday.
Boswell was limited on Friday as he continues to recover from the groin injury that has forced him to miss the last two games. He was also limited on Wednesday, but was a full participant during Thursday’s session.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) returned to the practice field Friday after sitting out on Thursday. He had practiced fully on Wednesday as well, but was newly added yesterday.
Defensive end Isaiah Buggs (illness) was also added to the injury report Thursday, but was a full participant on Friday.
Safety Terrell Edmunds (shoulder), cornerback Steven Nelson (knee), nose tackle Tyson Alualu (ankle) and linebacker Vince Williams (quad) were all full participants during Friday’s practice session as well, positioning the Steelers to be healthy heading into Sunday’s playoff game against the Browns.
