The Pittsburgh Steelers lost not one but two key defenders in Week 10’s win over the Washington Commanders. Not only did starting cornerback Donte Jackson leave Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury — edge rusher Alex Highsmith was also forced from the contest with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

The injury occurred with just over two minutes to go in the game on a near-sack against Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. In his pursuit of the rush, Highsmith appeared to have stepped on Daniels’ foot, which looked to roll his ankle. He was helped off the field with the assistance of trainers.

Immediately after the game, Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh of PennLive reported that Highsmith was seen in the ankle room on crutches.

Any concern for a long-term injury would be devastating for Highsmith, a cornerstone of the pass rush opposite T.J. Watt, having already battled an injury this season. He missed Weeks 4-6 with a groin issue but looked back to form here in Week 10. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Highsmith led the defense with five total pressures against Daniels, though he didn’t convert any into sacks. He’s totaled three sacks on the year so far.

Luckily, as Farabaugh reports, second-year OLB Nick Herbig is expected to play in Week 11 in his own return from a hamstring injury. He practiced in a limited fashion ahead of Week 10 but could be leaned upon heavily during any missed time for Herbig.