Alex

Highsmith

Highsmith has not played since Week 10. Getting him back provides the Steelers’ pass rush with a big boost. The Steelers will also have CB Joey Porter Jr. (hip) on the field when they take on the Bills this weekend. Both Highsmith and Porter practiced full on Friday.

Highsmith sat out on Wednesday before getting in two limited sessions. The difference-making EDGE rusher boasts a 16.6 percent pass-rush win rate, 19 quarterback pressures and six sacks. Bears QB Caleb Williams should have a far easier time staying upright and comfortable in the pocket with Highsmith expectedly sidelined.

It’s the first practice he’s played in since injuring the pectoral in Week 10. It’s possible Highsmith will be out there against the Bears in Week 12, though we’d still bet on him hitting the questionable line at this point.

Also ruled out on Pittsburgh’s defense are CB Darius Slay (concussion) and LB Cole Holcomb (illness), Highsmith had said he was optimistic about playing but the Steelers opted to hold their pass rusher out. These rule-outs are good news for Cincinnati’s offense in what projects to be a shootout on Sunday.

He’s missed back-to-back practices, but told reporters he was optimistic about Friday. Highsmith always seems to be fighting through something, but he has played each of the last five weeks and should be considered questionable for this one.

The Steelers will have their EDGE defender on the field in this one. Highsmith has totaled 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks and 16 tackles this year, while the Steelers attempt to restore their defense’s reputation. Doing so against the Chargers is no small feat, and should perhaps be viewed as unlikely to happen.

Highsmith is now on track to play in Week 10 against the Chargers. The veteran pass rusher accounts for 15 quarterback pressures, four sacks and 16 tackles this season. The Steelers field a generally fantasy-friendly defense, though having Highsmith active is obviously a plus. His Friday participation level should clarify things.

Highsmith missed two games earlier this year because of an ankle issue. It’s unclear if this is related or something new. Either way, his odds of playing in Week 10 are 50/50 at best right now. With Pittsburgh’s defense already struggling this year, the last thing they needed was to lose one of their best pass-rushers. Highsmith has 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in six games.

Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he felt good about having both players available this week and after five full practices between them, both will be back in the fold. Porter has not played since Week 1, while Highsmith has been out since Week 2. The Steelers defense looks to be at almost full strength on Sunday against the Browns.

Porter is firmly on track to return following the Steelers’ Week 5 bye. Steelers LB Alex Highsmith’s limited participation is a positive, but one would have preferred to see him practice in full after rehabbing his injured ankle for three-plus weeks. Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) was sidelined today.