<p id="inline-text-0">The NFL season is a slow burn. It’s a grind defined by weeks that feel long and seasons that somehow feel short. One injury, one setback, or one missed opportunity can feel like time has frozen — but in reality, the clock keeps ticking. The Pittsburgh Steelers know that all too well. Thankfully, they’ve learned how to use every tick of that clock wisely.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner1" data-google-query-id="CIOctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner1" style="display:block !important"></div></div>
<p><img alt="" class="lazy-img" height="240" src="https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_201,w_6570,h_3695/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/58/01k6xc0qjmghrskb5fv9.jpg" width="360"/></p>
<p id="inline-text-1">Their early bye week came at the perfect time — a chance to rest, reset, and regain strength before the heart of the season. Mike Tomlin’s team didn’t just take the week off; they healed. And as Week 6 approaches, the Steelers have received the best gift they could ask for: Alex Highsmith's return to practice.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div class="adsconex-banner-parallax" data-ad-placement="banner20" id="div_ub_inpage20"><div class="ubparallax_wrapper" id="ubparallax_wrapper" style=""><div class="ubparallax_ad-wrapper"><div align="center" class="ubparallax_ad" data-google-query-id="CJOctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-parallax" style="display: none;"></div></div></div></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-2">Before the season even had a chance to take off, the injury bug struck Pittsburgh hard. Among the early blows was Highsmith’s high ankle sprain suffered against the Seattle Seahawks. The injury could’ve been devastating. But instead of panicking, the Steelers did what they always do — they adapted.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner2" data-google-query-id="CISctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner2" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-3">Nick Herbig stepped up and made the most of his opportunity. His 2.5 sacks are second only to Watt, and his hustle has been contagious. Herbig has shown that he’s a player with a bright future, one who fits perfectly into the Steelers’ defensive identity of toughness, discipline, and relentless pursuit.</p><div class="in-article-ad">
</div>
<p id="inline-text-4">Still, let’s be honest — we all know who the real starter is at right outside linebacker. His name is Alex Highsmith, and his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner3" data-google-query-id="CIWctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner3" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<h2 id="inline-text-5">The Pittsburgh Steelers will skyrocket with Alex Highsmith back in the defensive lineup</h2>
<p id="inline-text-6">Highsmith isn’t just another edge rusher. He’s the Robin to Watt’s Batman, the complementary force that makes Pittsburgh’s pass rush nearly unstoppable when both are healthy. Together, they’re a nightmare for offensive coordinators — a dynamic duo that protects their version of Gotham with pure, legal violence.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div class="adsconex-banner-parallax" data-ad-placement="banner21" id="div_ub_inpage21"><div class="ubparallax_wrapper" id="ubparallax_wrapper" style=""><div class="ubparallax_ad-wrapper"><div align="center" class="ubparallax_ad" data-google-query-id="CJSctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-parallax1" style="display: none;"></div></div></div></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-7">So yes, Steelers fans should be excited — very excited — about Highsmith’s return in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns.</p>
<p id="inline-text-8">In two games, Highsmith has recorded just one sack, but that number doesn’t tell the full story. His presence alone changes games. He commands attention, draws double-teams, and opens lanes for teammates to attack. When he’s firing on all cylinders, the Steelers’ defense transforms from good to elite.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner4" data-google-query-id="CIactea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner4" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-10">And against the Browns, who are starting a rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and have struggled to protect the pocket, this is the perfect opportunity for Highsmith to have a breakout performance. His speed, power, and ability to bend around the edge could easily tilt the game’s momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner5" data-google-query-id="CIectea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner5" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-11">The Steelers’ defense thrives when its edge rushers dictate the tempo. With Watt leading the charge and Highsmith finally back to full strength, the unit is poised to look more like the one Steelers fans envisioned at the start of the year.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div class="js_adsconex_block" data-ad-placement-id="71383" data-site-type="metaconex" data-type="ad_block" id="related-content-block-metaconex"><div class="adsconex-header" style="display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding-bottom: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(233, 230, 230);">
<h3 style="font-size: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;">May you like</h3>
</div><div class="adsconex-block-ad"><div align="center" data-google-query-id="CJWctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner17" style="display: none;"></div></div></div></div>
<p id="inline-text-12">Call it fate or timing — either way, the Steelers’ best gift before Week 6 didn’t come wrapped in paper. It came in pads and a No. 56 jersey. Alex Highsmith is back, and with him, Pittsburgh’s defense is ready to reclaim its full form — just in time for another divisional showdown.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner6" data-google-query-id="CIictea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner6" style="display: none;"></div></div><div style="margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 40px; border-top: 1px solid #edeff2cf;"><h2 style="margin-top: 0;">Proposed Trade Has Lakers Cut Ties With LeBron James for 4-Time NBA Champ Star</h2><div class="recommended-thumbnail" style="margin: 15px 0;"><img alt="" class="lazy-img" data-src="https://cdnn-11.cybergalleria.com/uploads/images/default/20251008/luci-87-1759882079-q80.webp" height="240" width="360"/></div><div class="recommended-wrapper"><div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">NBA rumors continue to swirl about LeBron James‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers. James is not helping matters by posting a cryptic video on his “second decision” that turned out to be an ad tease.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner7" data-google-query-id="CImctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner7" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">The Lakers offseason started with James’ agent Rich Paul releasing a complicated statement on the superstar’s future in Los Angeles. With the Lakers‘ season starting on October 21, 2025, against the Golden State Warriors, it is only fitting that the team’s offseason comes to an end with more chatter about James’ tenure.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner8" data-google-query-id="CIqctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner8" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz offered potential trade ideas for every NBA team heading into the season. The Dallas Mavericks continue to be floated as a potential landing spot for James, if the Lakers opt to cut ties with the legend.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner9" data-google-query-id="CIuctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner9" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">Let’s explore the pros and cons of another blockbuster Lakers-Mavericks trade.</p>
<hr/>
<h2>Lakers Rumors: NBA Trade Pitch Sends LeBron James to Mavericks for Klay Thompson Package</h2>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">The Bleacher Report trade pitch has Klay Thompson finally joining his hometown Lakers team. Additionally, the Mavericks would send some combination of Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall to the Lakers. Los Angeles would also likely push for a future first-round pick as well.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner10" data-google-query-id="CIyctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner10" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">“We know all too well that these front offices can negotiate behind the scenes,” Swartz detailed on October 7. “If James is looking for a new home, the Mavericks should be extremely interested in reuniting the four-time MVP with Irving and Davis.”</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner11" data-google-query-id="CI2ctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner-11" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<hr/>
<h2>What Is Fair Trade Value for the Lakers in a Potential LeBron James Deal?</h2>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">The challenge with this trade proposal or any other idea is that it is difficult to gauge James’ trade value. Traditionally, a 40-year-old NBA player does not have any trade value, but James is not just any athlete.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner12" data-google-query-id="CI6ctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner-12" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">James has already solidified his status as one of the two greatest players in NBA history. The star is entering the final season of a two-year, $101 million contract with his NBA future remaining in doubt.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner13" data-google-query-id="CI-ctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner-13" style="display: none;"></div></div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">Even if the Lakers explored trading James, can the Los Angeles front office expect a significant return for a player who will be a free agent in 2026 and no guarantees that the star will play beyond this season?</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner14" data-google-query-id="CJCctea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner-14" style="display: none;"></div> </div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">Thompson is on an affordable three-year, $50 million contract. His days as a 5-time All-Star are likely over but could provide some needed shooting alongside Luka Doncic.</p>
<hr/>
<h2>LeBron James Likely Entering His Final Season With the Lakers: Insider<div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner18n" data-google-query-id="CJactea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner18" style="display: none;"></div> </div></h2>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">Chances are the Lakers will decide that keeping James will be preferable over whatever underwhelming return the franchise would receive for the legend via trade. NBA insider Marc Stein predicts that James’ will not play for the Lakers in 2026.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner19" data-google-query-id="CJectea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner19" style="display: none;"></div> </div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">“It’s pretty clear at this juncture that the Lakers have launched the Luka Dončić Era,” Stein detailed in a July 26, story titled, “What’s next for LeBron James.” “It certainly appears as though they are approaching the 2025-26 season as LeBron’s last in Tinseltown.</p><div class="in-article-ad"><div align="center" class="adsconex-banner" data-ad-placement="banner20n" data-google-query-id="CJictea6k5ADFfZgDwId7Nw8TQ" id="ub-banner20" style="display: none;"></div> </div>
<p data-mrf-recirculation="Articles / Paragraph Links">“If James doesn’t want retirement forced upon him, as one suspects, that almost certainly means he would have to find a new team next summer.”</p>
</div></div></div>