PITTSBURGH — As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their AFC North matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, they will be missing outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Head coach Mike Tomlin provided updates on Tuesday, revealing that Highsmith is classified as “week to week” after sustaining a left ankle injury late in the game against Washington last Sunday, where the Steelers emerged with a narrow 28-27 victory. Highsmith injured himself while pursuing Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the fourth quarter of that contest.

This marks the second occasion this season that Highsmith has faced time away from the field due to injury. Earlier in the season, he was sidelined for three games due to a groin issue.

In Highsmith’s absence, the Steelers will likely turn to either Nick Herbig or Preston Smith to fill the starting role. Herbig has been out of action for a month due to a hamstring injury, but Tomlin expressed confidence that he will be ready for the upcoming game against Baltimore (7-3) as the Steelers hold a record of 7-2. Additionally, the Steelers recently brought in veteran edge rusher Preston Smith from Green Bay, giving them further depth at the position.

Wide receiver Calvin Austin, who exited the game late against Washington with an undisclosed injury, is expected to be available for the Ravens game. However, the situation is somewhat uncertain for cornerback Donte Jackson, who also dealt with a hamstring injury during the last matchup. Although Tomlin remarked that Jackson felt optimistic on Tuesday, it remains to be seen how he will respond once practice resumes on Wednesday.

The showdown with Baltimore marks the beginning of a challenging stretch for the Steelers, featuring six upcoming games against AFC North rivals.

“I’ll play them whenever they schedule us,” Tomlin stated regarding the intense slate of games ahead. “We got no control over the schedule. Our goal is to beat everybody.”