Monday, October 6
Glad to be back: The Steelers are coming off their bye this week with a 3-1 record and in first place in the AFC North.
And that isn't even the good news.
The good news is, they could be getting a few more weapons back on defense.
Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. said on Monday that he is doing 'great' and projects himself to return to the field this week when the Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
"I'm good," said Porter. "I'm doing great. Glad to be back."
When pushed even more if he is certain about this week, Porter left little doubt about his availability.
"Yeah, definitely," said Porter. "Yeah, I'll be back for sure."
Porter missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and said the timing of the bye week was perfect for some last-minute healing.
"I wanted to get back before the bye week, just to get my little groove in, but it was for the greater good," said Porter. "I sat. I got some more time. So yeah, we're ready now."
While Porter wanted to push his way back onto the field, he knew there was a plan and that Coach Mike Tomlin was looking out for his best interest in the long run.
"He had a timeline in mind, and he's the head coach, so he's got that right," said Porter. "So, whatever he calls, I'm with it."
The secondary has dealt with its share of injuries so far this season, including Porter, DeShon Elliott and most recently Jalen Ramsey, who was injured in the win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
Getting Elliott back for the Vikings game, and likely Porter for the Browns game, gives the unit a boost, but it's a unit that is prepared no matter who is out there.
"It's really going to be the same," said Porter. "Coach said before I went down, we've got horses. We've got a lot of good guys that come in and make plays. I went down and then we had Brandin Echols step up and make some plays these past couple of games.
"So, I feel like the clock is just going to keep ticking. We're going to just keep grinding and striving to be our best out there.
"That's just a part of football. We all know that. Going in, we've all got to have our guys ready and be prepared so when one guy goes down, we already know the next guy's up and we're going to focus on that guy that's up. We're not really going to worry too much about the guy that's down. We're going to let him get recovery and come back, but we just got to keep going."
The Steelers will be facing a Browns team that is coming off a loss to the Vikings in London, with a rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel who will be making only his second NFL start.
Porter said the focus this week isn't on Gabriel, but the scheme as a whole in a game that always brings out the best of both rivals.
"We're really not looking at the rookie quarterback, we're really looking just at the rivalry in itself," said Porter. "This is one of those games, it doesn't matter who's out there, it's going to be a close battle. And that's how we're preparing for it regardless of the situation.
"We're just going to keep moving forward with that mentality."
Feeling optimistic: The good news didn't just come from Porter on Monday.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith was also optimistic about his return to the field.
Highsmith said he took part in individual drills during a 'bonus Monday' practice and hopes to continue to work his way back as the week progresses.
"I'm feeling good," said Highsmith. "We'll see how things pan out this week.
"I think the plan we have laid out for me right now is good. And obviously, I want to have a full day of work to have that confidence to be able to get back out there.
"Today was a good start, doing individual work, get some team on Wednesday and Thursday, and so by Friday we'll also be full go and then ready for Sunday.
"I'm feeling good. Working back into it. I did a lot of stuff on the field last week, and so it's a little stiff. But I'm confident that this is going to be a good week of practice and I'll be able to go on Sunday. So, nothing's confirmed yet, but just got to keep progressing this week."
Highsmith, who didn't make the trip to Dublin, Ireland with the team for the Vikings game, said he didn't feel like he would have been ready to go for that game and the time off helped.
"This was my first high ankle (injury) and it's something that's been lingering a little bit over the past couple weeks since it happened," said Highsmith. "But like I said, it's feeling much better. I've been taping it well.
"So, I feel like I had a good day today. I've just got to continue to progress throughout this week to be able to get out there on Sunday."
Highsmith missed the last two games with the ankle injury, but while he was out liked what he saw from third-year linebacker Nick Herbig. Now, with Highsmith on the mend, the trio of him, Herbig and T.J. Watt could be menacing for opposing offenses.
"It's a great package that we have," said Highsmith. "We did it some last year. And I think when all three of us are out there, we can make splash plays. We did that last year, so I'm just looking forward to seeing how we continue to build on that, whether it's switching around, different positions and whatnot.
"I think we have a lot of versatility with the three of us being in at the same time. I'm just ready to see it come to fruition this game.
"I just can't wait to get back out there with the guys and join that sack party."
Keeping a positive outlook: While there was good news on the defensive side of the ball from an injury standpoint, receiver Calvin Austin III is dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered against the Vikings, with his timeline something that has yet to be determined.
"I'm just taking it a day at a time," said Austin. "I'm going to listen to the medical staff and Coach (Mike) Tomlin. And whenever that time is, I'll be ready.
"Taking it a day at a time, working through it and I know in due time, when it's right, I'll be out there and ready."
While Austin is keeping that positive outlook, he also admits that it is frustrating suffering the injury, especially with the way the offense is gelling.
"It's frustrating, but at the end of the day, I know God has a plan for me and I've got good teammates, staff here," said Austin. "I'm just taking it one day at a time.
"I know this is going to be something that for me in the future is going to build the ability to get past adversity and it's just one of those moments."
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
