Steelers Get Another Boost Before Browns Game

Alex Highsmith's Return

The Steelers will get Alex Highsmith back in the fold for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain. Highsmith, 28, started the season strong with nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss in the first game and change, but has since missed nearly the last three games.

There are questions to what the snap count will be between Highsmith and Herbig this week and Highsmith gets back into the fold and Herbig continues to progress toward being a star. Highsmith, however, has been the team's dominant linebacker alongside T.J. Watt for years, and that likely won't change, despite Herbig's evolution.

Defense at Full Strength

The Steelers defense could be at full strength for the first time all season as they take on the Cleveland Browns in their first AFC North game. Highsmith and Joey Porter Jr. are back in the lineup this week after missing time. Porter has been out since Week 1 after suffering a hamstring injury.

It doesn't stop there, though. Jalen Ramsey, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, is listed as questionable. Ramsey has not missed a game yet as the team had a Bye last week, and finished his week being able to practice.

Being listed as questionable isn't a guarantee, but certainly a glimmer of hope for a player many believed was going to be ruled out this week.

The last time Highsmith played, he did not have Derrick Harmon within the defensive line. If Ramsey does play, it'll mark the first time this season Pittsburgh has had all 11 orginal starters on the field together.

Without Ramsey, Porter and Darius Slay will start on the outside with Brandin Echols on the inside. But don't rule out a healthy defense for Pittsburgh.