Steelers Gameday

Steelers Lose Three to Injury vs. Chargers

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 22, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an injury update on four players following Sunday’s 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) and cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) both suffered injuries during the game and did not return. Tomlin pulled running back Jaylen Warren (undisclosed) late in the game. Warren suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason, so it could be a lingering issue.

Wide receiver Van Jefferson suffered an eye injury but was able to return.

“Cory Trice had a hamstring (injury), Alex Highsmith had a groin (injury). Jaylen Warren wasn’t able to finish late in the second half. I pulled him from the game,” Tomlin said. “It just didn’t look like he was running smoothly. We will evaluate him. Van Jefferson was able to go back in in the later portions of the game. He got poked in the eye. His vision cleared up, he went back to participation. We got some other bumps and bruises associated with play. We’ll analyze that and I’ll give a full report on Tuesday, but just as I sit here today, I’m thankful for the efforts of the men. I’m thankful to be 3-0.

“It’s good to be in a good contest like this, man, good-on-good five-star match-ups, if you will, and come out on the other side. There’s growth in it, and we’d better learn the lessons and keep stepping because we’ve got challenges that await us.”

Highsmith suffered a groin injury late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game and did not return.

Highsmith was slow to get up on one play earlier. He went into the blue medical tent and went into the locker room early before halftime. Highsmith has dealt with a few groin injuries over the last couple of years. Trice also did not return after suffering a hamstring injury on the first possession of the game.

With Highsmith out, second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig recorded two sacks, two quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the second half. Herbig tied the NFL lead in sacks this preseason, recording 3.5 over three games.

“We spend less time worrying about the unfortunates that got hurt. We like to spend our time focusing on the guys who get the opportunity to elevate and contribute. Sucks for Alex Highsmith. Excited for (Nick) Herbig, for example,” Tomlin said. “And none of us are surprised with the quality of work he gave us and a lot of others.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.