Steelers Notebook: Alex Highsmith Still Out, Joey Porter Jr. Must Address Penalties

Two days after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason opener, several defensive players were absent from Sunday’s training camp practice at Saint Vincent College.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has been sidelined for a week due to a groin injury. Defensive lineman Keeanu Benton missed practice on Sunday after leaving Friday’s game against the Houston Texans with an eye injury. Defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal also did not practice due to an undisclosed injury.

Coach Mike Tomlin reported that cornerback Kalon Barnes (quadriceps) and receiver Tarik Black (hamstring) sustained injuries during Sunday’s practice.

Hand-y Man

Joey Porter Jr.'s tendency to engage with wide receivers while the ball is in the air was evident in the preseason opener against Houston. Porter was flagged for pass interference during the Steelers' third defensive series on a deep pass to Robert Woods along the right sideline, resulting in a 24-yard gain to the Houston 33-yard line.

This issue was also apparent last week during training camp, when officials were brought in for practice and Porter was penalized.

“We’re going to continue to work on that,” defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “We knew coming out of college that it was a concern. It started early last year and improved as the season progressed. It’s our job to coach him up and his job to take that coaching and improve.”

Porter didn't enter the starting lineup until Week 8 of his rookie season. He was penalized three times for pass interference (one was declined) and three times for holding during his 11 starts.

Porter’s penalty occurred during his final series against the Texans, where he played 11 snaps.

Starting Over

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin faces a new challenge in finding a reliable fourth outside linebacker. The Steelers hoped to have a stable lineup after Markus Golden re-signed on a one-year deal on August 1, but he unexpectedly retired late last week. This leaves second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig as the primary backup to starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Golden, who had four sacks last season, was third on the team in that category.

“I’m never comfortable with depth,” Austin said. “I wish I could have four players at every position. I’m confident in Herbig, who is making progress. That leaves us looking for a fourth.”

The Steelers filled Golden’s roster spot by signing undrafted free agent Luquay Washington, who was previously released by Kansas City. Kyron Johnson, who appeared in six games with the Steelers last season, and Jeremiah Moon, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens who had a sack in his eight games last season, are also in contention. Jacoby Windmon and Julius Welschof are also on the roster.

“When it comes to the fourth player at a position, they need to offer special teams value to make the roster,” Austin added.

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