Alex Highsmith injury update: Steelers LB status, full inactives revealed vs. Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns released their inactives for the Week 12 Thursday Night Football game, and there’s news on linebacker Alex Highsmith. For the Steelers, Highsmith is inactive along with WR Scott Miller, RB Jonathan Ward, OL Max Scharping and QB Kyle Allen.

Highsmith has been ruled out for the second consecutive game after suffering an ankle injury against the Washington Commanders. With Highsmith inactive, linebacker Preston Smith and Nick Herbig will see more action tonight.

Mike Tomlin is enjoying what he’s seeing out of Herbig. “He’s a big-time player,” Tomlin said. “He’s a young guy, but even in a small sample size, I think we all recognize his play-making capabilities, and I think any of us that are around him are not surprised when he makes significant plays, particularly in significant moments.

“He trains under the under the likes of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He’s got some great role models, and he’s got an awesome work ethic and mindset to boot, and so not surprised by it at all.”

More on the Steelers’ matchup against Browns

The Browns have five players inactive including RB D’Onta Foreman, CB Chigozie Anusiem, Jedrick Wills Jr., TE Geoff Swaim and QB Bailey Zappe. Head coach Kevin Stefanski recently talked about the Steelers adding Smith to the roster and how he will impact the game.

“He’s playing on both sides,” Stefanski said. “Very long player. Strong, good against the run. Plays with effort. He can really be a factor in the run or the pass.”

The Browns have had a 2024 season they would like to forget. They have a 2-8 record and have scored more than 20 points in one game this year. Earlier in the season, the Browns lost quarterback Deshaun Watson for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury. Jameis Winston has started the last three games for Cleveland.