Steelers Linebacker Returns to Practice After Missing Three Games

The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to build off their Week 6 victory when they face the New York Jets on "Sunday Night Football."

After losing two-straight games, the Steelers got back in the win column with a dominant victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pittsburgh is tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North, making the next few games crucial as both teams look to separate in the standings.

With the primetime matchup just days away, the Steelers got a key pice of their defense back in practice on Thursday. Linebacker Alex Highsmith returned to practice after being out since suffering a groin injury in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Highsmith, who has been with the Steelers since 2020, provides an important veteran presence to the defense that the team was missing in recent weeks. After Pittsburgh allowed just 26 total points in three games with Highsmith, they allowed 60 total points in the next three games without him.

While his status for Sunday is still uncertain, the fact that he fully practiced on Thursday provides some optimism that he could be ready to play. Highsmith's presence could be especially important, as it looks as though fellow linebacker Nick Herbig will miss the game with a hamstring injury.

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The Steelers may need all of the defensive help they can get against the Jets, who will be fielding an offense led by Aaron Rodgers and All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, who they acquired on Tuesday.