Understudy no more, Alex Highsmith will take lead at outside linebacker in T.J. Watt's absence

Alex Highsmith is used to being the sidekick to T.J. Watt among the Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker group — the Robin to Watt’s Batman persona.

The role suited Highsmith last year, his first as an NFL starter, and he took advantage of the attention paid to the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year last Sunday to set a career high with three sacks in a 23-20 overtime victory at Cincinnati.

But with Watt out for at least the next four weeks with a pectoral tear, Highsmith will be tasked with stepping up and being the leader of his position group. That is particularly true considering no other outside linebacker on the 53-man roster was with the Steelers at the start of the month.

Being the metaphorical caped crusader is an unenviable position for a third-year NFL player but one Steelers coaches believe Highsmith is ready to handle. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, for one, isn’t concerned Highsmith will try to take on too much responsibility Sunday when the Steelers face the New England Patriots at Acrisure Stadium in their first game without Watt.

“No, I think Alex is coming into his own,” Austin said. “I think each year he has gotten better, and it’s reasonable to expect him to continue to take a nice jump like he did at the beginning of the year.”

Highsmith was coming off a 2021 season in which he replaced Bud Dupree as the starter at right outside linebacker. He contributed six sacks to a defense that led the NFL in that category for the fifth year in a row while Watt tied the league’s single-season record with 22½.

Then, a rib injury kept Highsmith sidelined for most of training camp and the entire preseason schedule. Concerned about the depth behind their two starters, the Steelers traded for Denver’s Malik Reed and brought back outside linebacker Jamir Jones on a waiver claim.

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Highsmith healed sufficiently for the opener and, if not for the heroics of free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, would have been recognized as the most impactful defensive player against the Bengals. His three sacks were among nine tackles and four quarterback hits. He had two tackles for loss, and his forced fumble on his second sack led to a field goal and 10-3 lead.

Highsmith also played 83 snaps, tops among Steelers outside linebackers and only four fewer than inside linebacker Myles Jack.

“He had been out, but at the same time he conditioned himself for it,” defensive captain Cameron Heyward said. “Alex, day in and day out, he was always conditioning himself to stay on top of it, taking scout team reps, you name it. It was a testament to him being ready for the moment. What a way to start off — with three sacks.”

Enthusiasm about Highsmith’s career day were tempered, of course, by Watt’s injury that occurred with 16 seconds remaining in regulation.

When the Steelers take the field against the Patriots, it will be the second start for Highsmith without Watt lined up at left outside linebacker. Watt missed two complete games and parts of three others last season, and it’s been well documented the Steelers were 0-4-1 in those games.

Highsmith also missed the Week 3 game against Cincinnati with a groin injury. But when Watt didn’t start later in the year at the Los Angeles Chargers, Highsmith contributed 1½ sacks and one tackle for loss in a 41-37 defeat. Spanning the three other games when Watt left early because of injury, Highsmith had no sacks but four tackles for loss.

“We all have to bring the energy that (Watt) does,” Highsmith said. “I know we can. We have guys who can bring energy as well. I’m excited for what we’re going to be able to do in that area.”

Energy is one thing. Production at rushing the passer and batting down passes — two of Watt’s specialties — is another.

As Highsmith displayed against the Bengals, he’s evolving into a force at rushing the passer. In the first quarter, he sacked quarterback Joe Burrow for a 7-yard loss, setting up a 59-yard field goal try that Evan McPherson converted.

On the next Bengals series, Highsmith sacked Burrow for a 9-yard loss, dislodging the ball into the arms of Heyward for a fumble recovery. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Highsmith dropped Burrow for a third time, another 7-yard loss that led to a punt.

“I just think it’s reasonable to expect that he’s going to continue to improve in the ways that he’s done since he’s been here,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “I don’t know that any of us are shocked by the performance. As a matter of fact, I think most of us expect it to continue. You’re not going to get three sacks each and every week, but he’s a good player, and he’s a man to be reckoned with, for sure.”

Highsmith and Watt also combined to stop Joe Mixon on a 2-yard loss after the Bengals had a first-and-goal from the 1.

“I had seen Alex on film a lot, so I knew he could do some great things,” Reed said. “I was amazed on the sidelines being able to watch him go out there and do his thing.”

Added Jones, who rejoined the Steelers after being released early last season: “That guy’s a monster. I’m really excited to be playing next to him, and I’m eager to learn from him as well.”

As the most experienced player at his position with Watt out, Highsmith will be the unquestioned leader of his group on the field. He also has showed leadership tendencies off the field, as Reed can attest.

“When I first got here, he invited me and my wife to his house,” Reed said. “If I had questions, he’d answer them, and he’s helped me get acclimated so far.”

Highsmith, though, can only do so much as the Steelers try to navigate the next month without Watt. The Steelers will expect Reed, Jones and David Anineh, who was signed off Tennessee’s practice squad this week, to play significant snaps at left outside linebacker and spell Highsmith on the right side when he needs a breather. They also promoted Delonte Scott from the practice squad Saturday to provide another option.

“However long it takes, other guys have to step up,” Heyward said. “Alex stepped up pretty good. We have to do some different stuff out there, but we’ll rally around him.”