PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Corner Joey Porter, Junior said he will return to the Steelers defense against Cleveland Sunday, now outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said he’s feeling good and planning to return as well.
The 28-year-old said he will see how it plays out this week as he deals with a high ankle sprain. It’s the first time he’s had that injury and said its been lingering a bit the last couple of weeks. It was why he didn’t go with the team to Ireland, which was really disappointing for him, there was fear of his ankle swelling during the flight.
All of that behind him, Highsmith said he was very encouraged after the first practice on Monday. Tuesday is a player’s off day and then he’ll test it and see how it responds Wednesday and Thursday when he plans to get some team work in at practice.
Highsmith credited the play of Nick Herbig the last few weeks, saying he was awesome and it’s because of his preparation as to why he can make such an impact. He said they are lucky to have Herbig in their room and when Highsmith returns he looks forward to all three of them being on the field at the same time in a special package the defense has.
Unfortunately for Highsmith, he’s found himself as a spectator the last few games and on Sunday, where he was actually more of a fan. What he realized was, it can be damn stressful watching and rooting, as he took in the Cleveland, Baltimore and Cincinnati games.
“It was crazy,” Highsmith said. “I was watching the games, especially in the fourth quarter when the game was close, I’m pacing back and forth. I see why fans; their hearts are beating all the time. My heart was racing at the end of the games. I’m just glad the guys got it done the past couple of weeks.”
“I can’t wait to be back out there with the guys playing.”