PITTSBURGH -- Excitement fills the air as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has announced that star pass rusher Alex Highsmith is “fully expected to be back” in the lineup for this Sunday’s crucial rematch against the Cleveland Browns.

Highsmith was on the verge of returning last week but faced some setbacks in practice, resulting in him being sidelined for the game against the Bengals.

Highsmith’s Absence Impact

Highsmith’s absence has been felt keenly, as he was performing at an exceptional level prior to his three-game hiatus.

In Week 8 against the Giants, he dominated the field with a career-high of 12 pressures and two sacks on just 38 pass rush attempts, showcasing his incredible athleticism and skill.

Overall this season, he boasts impressive stats of 10 quarterback hits and three sacks despite having missed crucial game time earlier due to a groin injury.

Concerns for the Offense

However, it’s not all positive news for the Steelers, as wide receiver Calvin Austin III's status is uncertain after he entered the concussion protocol following a hard hit in last week’s game.

Austin has been a standout player with touchdowns in both of the last two games, making his potential absence a significant concern for the Steelers’ offense.

Tomlin's Optimism

Tomlin expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of a strong defensive lineup, saying, “It’s pretty exciting, isn’t it? Let’s see where the roads lead.”

With the possibility of having a healthy rotation of outside linebackers for the first time in weeks, Tomlin is optimistic about the team’s defensive strategies heading into the pivotal matchup against their division rivals.

Final Preparations

As the game approaches, the Steelers will be working diligently to finalize their game plan, ensuring that they leverage the skills of both Highsmith and developing talents like Nick Herbig while integrating Preston Smith.

With December games being crucial for playoff positioning, the return of Highsmith could be the spark the Steelers need to turn their season around against a tough Browns team.

Fan Anticipation

Fans are eager to see how Highsmith’s presence will impact the game, as the Steelers aim to build momentum heading toward the postseason.

Will Highsmith’s return be the game-changer Pittsburgh desperately needs? Only time will tell!