Steelers’ superstar suffers serious neck injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers DE Alex Highsmith has suffered a neck injury, according to the team. The team said on social media that Highsmith will not return. The injury occurred with 14 minutes and 47 seconds left in the second quarter on a run by Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, citing sources, reported Friday that Highsmith has entered concussion protocol.
The Patriots took advantage of Highsmith’s injury to score their first touchdown of the season on their opening drive. Quarterback Bailey Zappe connected with tight end Hunter Henry for an eight-yard score after a defensive back intercepted a pass from Trubisky. Trubisky replaced Kenny Pickett as the starting quarterback after Pickett suffered an ankle sprain against the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week.
Through the first 12 games, Highsmith has a total of 49 tackles and a season-high 6 sacks. He has not missed a single regular-season game in his four years in the NFL.
Highsmith signed a five-year, $68 million contract with the Steelers in the offseason after being selected in the third round of the 2020 Draft. The team entered the game with a 7-5 record in the AFC, and the Patriots have the second worst record in the league at 2-10.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Alex Highsmith exited the game with a neck injury with 14:47 left in the second quarter. As he left the field, Highsmith and several other Steelers players argued with the officials, claiming they were held on the play. The argument even made its way to Twitter where Highsmith’s mother, Pamela, begged the officials to call a holding call.
The Steelers played just a quarter of the game without Alex Highsmith.
Prior to the game against the Patriots, Houston Texans defensive end Alex Highsmith had said the same thing about his Houston teammate, T. J. Watt, who Highsmith said had been held too many times by officials.
During the game, Highsmith posted again on social media to thank fans for their support for his son, but he also asked them to focus on the positives, such as Alex’s health, instead of posturing after a hard-fought loss.
