All signs point to Alex Highsmith (ankle) re-joining T.J. Watt on the edge when the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Cleveland Browns to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.
Highsmith has a tremendous career versus Cleveland with 52 total tackles (10 for loss), 10 QB hits, a forced fumble and a pick-six. Pittsburgh will need him to pressure Jameis Winston, who had his way with the defense in Week 12. Winston took only one sack and had the highest completion percentage (66%) since he took over for Deshaun Watson.
Alex Highsmith injury update
Highsmith was upgraded from limited to full practice participant on Thursday. Highsmith missed the last three games after sustaining the ankle injury in the Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders.
Steelers outside linebacker depth chart
Nick Herbig and Preston Smith, acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers last month, have done stellar jobs filling in for Highsmith. Herbig has three consecutive forced fumbles, 11 tackles (four for loss) and two sacks since Highsmith was sidelined.
Smith has one sack (Week 10) and a fumble recovery against the Cincinnati Bengals.