The Pittsburgh Steelers did a simple restructure of the salary of pass-rusher Alex Highsmith's contract on Wednesday to create more than $7 million in salary cap space, according to a source. The Steelers will convert a portion of Highsmith's base salary in 2024 into a signing bonus. The 26-year-old former third-round pick in 2020 out of Charlotte has put up 21.5 sacks in the last two years and had 57 tackles (34 solo), seven sacks, eight tackles for loss, 18 QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season starts in 2023 in his fourth year in the league. Along with All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt, Highsmith is a key member of the Steelers' defense moving forward.

From RotoBaller

The Pittsburgh Steelers recorded two sacks and one interception while surrendering 21 points in a loss to the New England Patriots last week. This was projected to be an extremely low-scoring affair, so it was relatively surprising to see New England score over 20 points for the first time since Week 7 against this defense. Pittsburgh will have linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith healthy in a potential bounce-back spot against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday. Although the Colts have scored a lot of points this season, quarterback Gardner Minshew can be turnover-prone and the Steelers are still generating takeaways at a high rate. Fantasy managers can continue to roll with the Steelers D/ST for the first round of the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol, according to Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten. Watt came in on Friday experiencing concussion symptoms and must now be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return to play. The good news is the Steelers have a mini-bye and won't play again until next Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts after losing to the New England Patriots on Thursday night. Not only was Thursday another bad loss for Pittsburgh, but now their two best pass-rushers -- Watt and Alex Highsmith -- are in concussion protocol and may not be able to play next week. The 29-year-old Watt is a must-start in IDP fantasy leagues when he's healthy. Through 13 games, he has 14 sacks, 52 tackles (37 solo), 14 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, an interception, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown).

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers standout pass-rusher Alex Highsmith (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol after getting injured in Thursday night's loss to the New England Patriots. Highsmith has more time to clear the protocols before the team's Week 15 game on Saturday, Dec. 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, but it doesn't mean he'll be able to suit up for that one. Highsmith and T.J. Watt are Pittsburgh's two best pass-rushers, so losing the 26-year-old for any amount of time would be bad news for a strong Steelers D. Watt took a knee to the jaw early in Thursday's game and was being looked at in the medical tent, but he eventually returned to the game. Highsmith is a weekly option in IDP fantasy leagues and has six sacks, 49 tackles (27 solo), seven tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, an interception and two forced fumbles in 13 starts this year.

From RotoBaller