Alex Highsmith is not playing in the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday afternoon game against the Cincinnati Bengals after being ruled out with a pectoral injury - despite escaping punishment for a low hit
15:14 ET, 16 Nov 2025Updated 15:14 ET, 16 Nov 2025
Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers is rushed out of the pocket by Alex Highsmith #56 and T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
View 2 Images
Alex Highsmith #56 was not flagged for lower body hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert
Alex Highsmith is not active this weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers, just days after he escaped a fine from the NFL for a low hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
While the Steelers are in action this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals, their last outing saw them resoundingly beaten by the Chargers 25-10 on 'Sunday Night Football', in a game that led Aaron Rodgers to critique his own performance heavily.
Article continues below
During the Steelers and Chargers game at SoFi Stadium, Highsmith, who will miss the game with the Bengals due to a pectoral injury, collided with Herbert's lower body in the first half, ripping under Los Angeles tackle Austin Deculus to get to the quarterback.
Article continues below
READ MORE: Terry Bradshaw absent from FOX NFL Sunday as decision explainedREAD MORE: Jets issue statement as Kris Boyd 'critically injured' in New York City shooting
However, Herbert threw the ball just as Highsmith arrived, colliding with him. Following the hit, Herbet looked around for a flag for a late hit, but nothing came from the officials.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was also left bemused by the decision not to flag Highsmith.
After every game, the NFL's Officiating Department reviews the snaps from each contest, with a roughing the passer penalty resulting in a $17,389 fine for a first offense. A second one would result in a $23,186 fine.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Two seasons ago, Highsmith was docked around $16,000 for a roughing the passer penalty on then-Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Highsmith is also set to miss the Sunday clash against the Bengals after he missed practice this week with the Steelers.
He had played over 70% of the Steelers defensive snaps against the Chargers, and had been productive in recent weeks. Against the Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers star had four sacks and a forced fumble. He will be replaced against Cincinnati by Nick Herbig, which in turn will lead to a potentially bigger role for former Ohio State pass rusher Jack Sawyer, who will play behind Herbig and T.J. Watt.
Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to his sack on third down during a 25-10 Chargers win in the NFL 2025 game between Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
View 2 Images
Alex Highsmith is out this weekend for the Steelers(Image: Getty)
Article continues below
Highsmith has already missed time this season with a high-ankle sprain he suffered back during the Steelers week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The 28-year-old, who signed a four-year $68 million contract extension with Pittsburgh back in 2023, has gone on to become a key part of the Steelers defense. Selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Highsmith has registered 41 sacks during his time so far with the team, with 5.5 of those sacks coming this season.
Want to watch more live sports? Peacock has your favorite sports, shows, and more all in one place.* Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 *so you can stream live sports like NFL, Premier League, and Big Ten Football.