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Steelers Rule Out Starting Linebacker For Third Straight Game

Pittsburgh has a tough matchup ahead of it

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face one of their toughest tests of the season on Sunday afternoon and will do so without a starting linebacker.

Pittsburgh’s defense has been dealing with some injuries and has been missing Alex Highsmith. He’s been dealing with an ankle injury and made some progress this week in his recovery after missing the last two games. Highsmith was listed as doubtful for Sunday’s tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals but was ruled out by the team on Sunday.

“The Steelers go into today’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals close to full strength, but not quite,” the team shared. “Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is inactive for the third consecutive game, ruled out on Friday with an ankle injury.

“Highsmith was hoping to return this week with another critical AFC North matchup, but his return will have to wait at least another week. With Highsmith out, teams have been scheming more to try and take fellow outside linebacker T.J. Watt out of the mix, focusing more on Watt without Highsmith on the other side.”

Highsmith has appeared in just six games so far this season but has been great when he’s been healthy. Over that stretch, he has three sacks and 19 total tackles. The Steelers unfortunately won’t have him against the Bengals, but hopefully, he can return next week against the Cleveland Browns.

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Pittsburgh currently has the top spot in the AFC North at 8-3, but the Baltimore Ravens aren’t far behind at 8-4. Sunday’s matchup is important but the defense isn’t at full strength.

More NFL: ESPN Writer Predicts Big Game For Steelers Star Against Bengals

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