Steelers downplay Alex Highsmith's absence from mandatory minicamp

[ASFN Admin]

Alex Highsmith was absent from mandatory minicamp just one day after Nick Herbig's massive $100 million deal, but before panic could set in, the Pittsburgh Steelers revealed why their starting edge rusher wasn't present.

According to Steelers Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauten, Highsmith wasn't present at Wednesday's practice due to an illness.

Lauten also added that Highsmith will continue to be at the practice facility moving forward, all but ending any rumors about the potential absence being related to Herbig's new contract.

Sources: Alex Highsmith is not present today at practice due to an illness but will continue to be at the practice facility as he has been all offseason. Confirmed by me. https://t.co/8n4sHF1awT

— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) June 3, 2026

Highsmith, who was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, emerged as a consistent edge presence opposite T.J. Watt, recording 45 sacks, 64 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles, and 337 combined tackles in his first six seasons.

While Herbig's newly signed deal muddies the waters surrounding Highsmith's future in Pittsburgh, it appears there wasn't additional motive behind Wednesday's absence.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers reveal why Alex Highsmith missed Day 2 of mandatory minicamp

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