PITTSBURGH — Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith is expected to “return” this week for Sunday’s rematch against the Browns, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
Highsmith was close to returning last week, but did not practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday and Friday before being inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
While Highsmith is expected to return, the Steelers could be without wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who entered concussion protocol when he took a hard hit against the Bengals. Austin has touchdowns in each of the last two weeks, including a fourth-quarter hiccup in the Week 12 loss to the Browns.
Tomlin couldn’t hide his excitement at the prospect of having a healthy complement of outside linebackers for the first time in weeks.
“It’s very exciting, isn’t it?” Tomlin said with a smile. “Let’s see where the roads lead, man, we have a week of preparation… I’m very excited about the potential of getting Alex Highsmith back and the development of [Nick] Herbig, Preston’s acclimatization [Smith]. You can’t run out of urgent men, especially in December, and that’s why it’s exciting.
“Make no mistake, there is enough work for all parties involved and we are excited to figure it out as we prepare.”
Highsmith was playing at a high level before his three-game absence. Against the Giants in Week 8, Highsmith recorded 12 pressures and two sacks in a career-high 38 pass pressures, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
He also has 10 quarterback hits and three sacks in just six games, following a three-week layoff with a groin injury earlier in the season.
