The Steelers return to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex today to begin preparations for their first AFC North matchup this Sunday against Baltimore, who sits a half-game behind Pittsburgh at 7-3. Coach Mike Tomlin has had his fair share of run-ins with the Ravens in his 18-year career and he said he looks forward to adding another chapter in that story.
Tomlin said during his weekly news conference yesterday that Baltimore’s outlook is very similar to Washington’s, in that everything runs through their mobile quarterbacks.
Tomlin says the Steelers need to stay alert to Baltimore’s rushing attack, headlined by quarterback Lamar Jackson and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry.
Tomlin also says Baltimore’s defense will be tough, despite the Ravens entering the week last in passing defense.
On the injury front, Tomlin said linebacker Alex Highsmith will be out this Sunday and is deemed “week-to-week” after suffering an ankle injury in the second half of Sunday’s game in Washington. Highsmith’s father, Sam, said on X that he suffered a low ankle sprain, and he could be out between 2-to-3 weeks.
Linebacker Nick Herbig is expected to play Sunday after sitting out the past four games with a hamstring injury, and Tomlin said safety Donte Jackson, who suffered an injury against Washington, was “feeling good” yesterday, but he could be limited early in the week.
The Steelers yesterday signed former All-Pro wide receiver and kick returner Jamal Agnew and running back Jonathan Ward to their practice squad and released lineman John Leglue and receiver Lance McCutchen. Agnew spent four seasons in Detroit and three in Jacksonville, playing only 11 games with the Jaguars last season.
