The Pittsburgh Steelers need all the help they can get to win the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns gave the Steelers everything they can handle back in Week 12, and then some. Their next matchup may be in Pittsburgh, but that won't stop the Browns from giving it all they got to try and sweep the team that bullied them since their return to the league. The good news for the Steelers is that they are getting healthy at the right time, as the injury report shrinks with each passing week, and it will be expected to get even smaller shortly.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Alex Highsmith warms up prior to a 2024 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
One of those players is Alex Highsmith, who has previously stated that he desires to be 100% healthy whenever he is on the field. Ray Fittipaldo reported that Highsmith is close to that mark and he is very optimistic about his chances of playing in Week 14.
Alex Highsmith said his ankle feels a lot better today than it did on Friday. He was limited today but confirmed what Mike Tomlin said yesterday. He’s expected to return against the Browns.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) December 4, 2024
Highsmith has missed the previous three weeks with an ankle sprain, and that isn't even the first injury he has suffered in the 2024 season. He also missed three weeks in the early parts of the year due to a groin injury. Even with the quality of depth that the Steelers have at the position, they need him to be back for a full rotation of beasts terrorizing the quarterback.
Fred Vuich / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers' two-headed edge rushing monster, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, celebrate a sack.
After practice, Highsmith spoke with the media and confirmed the report that he should play. He also mentioned that they were exercising caution throughout the recovery process, as opposed to rushing him back.
"It's really a mental thing too at this point, just because I got to trust it, 'it' being that ankle. That's the side I primarily play. Bending off of that side, I got to have as much strength on that ankle as I can. Like I said, it's feeling better. The plan is to go this weekend, so I just got to continue to get better throughout the week."
During his weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about the injuries to the team, and the first thing he mentioned was that Highsmith was projected to come back and play against the Browns. With the two men agreeing with each other, there is no reason to not believe that the veteran will be ready to play and wreak havoc.
Steelers' Backups Step Up In Highsmith's Place
In each of the three recent games that Highsmith missed, Nick Herbig managed to record a forced fumble. Not only did the latest one result in a touchdown for rookie linebacker Payton Wilson, but the whole ordeal was caught on camera on the first episode of Hard Knocks: In Season With The AFC North.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Nick Herbig on a Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
During the week, Tomlin spoke about how Highsmith had his way with the Cincinnati Bengals' previous left tackle and claimed that is why they went out and signed Orlando "Zeus" Brown. The message throughout the week was that Herbig had to "kill Zeus." He did, and that's what put the dagger through Cincinnati.
.@CoachTomlin knew @nickherbig_ was bound to make a big play 😤#HardKnocks In Season with the AFC North available now on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/THbWfz6BP0
— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2024
In that same game, Preston Smith recovered a fumble to help set up the Steelers to take the lead over the Bengals. Once Pittsburgh kicked a field goal to go up 24-21, they never fell behind again. It got close a couple times, but the Steelers never let it go. This edge rusher room is insane, but Highsmith coming back is still a key addition to the team at this point in the season.
What do you think about Highsmith confirming his return to the team for Week 14? Let us know in the comments.
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