Alex Highsmith gets 1 of 4 sacks for Steelers in season finale against Browns

CLEVELAND — The pressure Alex Highsmith has applied to opposing quarterbacks since replacing Bud Dupree last month paid dividends Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round pick.

Although the Steelers lost their regular-season finale, 24-22, to the Cleveland Browns, Highsmith set a career high with nine tackles, and he had one of four sacks against Baker Mayfield.

Highsmith’s sack, which resulted in a 10-yard loss late in the first half, was his first since in five games as a starter since Dupree suffered his season-ending knee injury Dec. 2 against Baltimore. His only other sack this season came in November at Dallas.

“When I do get pressure, it gives me confidence,” Highsmith said. “That’s my mindset I’m going to have going into the playoffs, just be relentless in my pass rush and be firm and strong in stopping the run.”

Highsmith nearly had a second sack when he forced Mayfield to stumble in the pocket. Jayrone Elliott finished the play and was given the sack. Chris Wormley and Stephon Tuitt had the others as the Steelers finished with 56 sacks, tops in the NFL.

Elliott was among several backups who got extended playing time as coach Mike Tomlin rested many of his starters.

“I think it gives confidence for the younger guys who got a chance to finally get on the field and show their talents to the NFL,” Elliott said. “All of us getting more reps, it will just continue to help us build as a team. We have film to look at and correct, and we are ready to get back to work.”