Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith has been a playmaker every time he’s stepped on the field. A third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has certainly impressed in Pittsburgh with 45 career sacks, 64 tackles for a loss, 10 forced fumbles, and 91 quarterback hits. He’s also picked off three passes and deflected another 10.
However, Highsmith hasn’t played a full season in each of the last two years. He missed six games two years ago and another four last season. After the 2024 season, he committed to working on two key areas that plagued him. Ahead of the 2026 season, he’s back at work trying to get his body right.
“Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith says he’s been intentional this offseason about stretching and taking care of his body in an effort to avoid the soft-tissue injuries he suffered the past couple years,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Steelers reporter Chris Adamski posted on X/Twitter on Monday.
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith says he’s been intentional this offseason about stretching and taking care of his body in an effort to avoid the soft-tissue injuries he suffered the past couple years.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 18, 2026
It’s a subtle but distinct difference in what Highsmith says he’s doing. Strength is quite important, of course. However, stretching to make muscles, tendons, and ligaments more flexible and able to handle sudden changes of direction can help preserve them. That seems to be the thought here.
The Steelers certainly could use a fully healthy Alex Highsmith in 2026. Even though he missed four games in 2025, he still managed to accumulate 9.5 sacks. It was his best season since 2022 when he had 14.5 sacks.
Highsmith’s fellow starting outside linebacker, T.J. Watt, turns 32 years old in October. He missed three games in 2025 and had only seven sacks. OLB Nick Herbig is making the case for more playing time as he had 7.5 sacks last season in 15 games and six starts.
However, the Steelers’ defense will be at its best with its full complement of pass rushers. Alex Highsmith is a huge part of that. So, if the Steelers want to make a playoff run, Highsmith better keep limber.
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