Friday, October 10

It starts with fundamentals: A new challenge for Watt: At this point in his career, there aren't many firsts for linebacker T.J. Watt.

But there will be one on Sunday when the Steelers face Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

It will be the first left-handed quarterback Watt has ever faced.

"This will be the first lefty quarterback I've ever played in my life," said Watt. "It's interesting. We don't have a scout lefty either, so it'll be different on game day. But like I said, he can boot leg both ways, we've seen it.

"It'll be interesting to do. I've never done it before, but he's very capable."

Gabriel, who Watt said doesn't come across as a rookie with his storied college career, is one of the smaller quarterbacks the defense will face this year at 5-11.

That height, though, isn't an issue for him.

"Clearly the pocket gets moved and he understands how to find those passing lanes," said Watt. "I like to think that we're a very ball-conscious group when we're rushing the passer. I don't think that'll change depending on the quarterback."

The defense as a whole has been extraordinarily ball conscious this season, second in the NFL with a plus seven in takeaway ratio. They added to that number against the Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, while also having six sacks in that game.

Watt wouldn't mind that being the norm.

"That would be awesome to get takeaways like that and sacks and the splash (plays) that we were able to have," said Watt. "But it's obviously tough to do each and every week.

"It starts with fundamentals of everybody doing their job, stopping the run, being able to create those turnovers and pin our ears back in those situations.

"It's much easier said than done."

It's all about the rivalry: AFC North football.

It's something that hits different.

It's how football is meant to be played.

Tough. Aggressive. Physical.

And for the Steelers, it begins on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.

"We're highly familiar with those guys, but they're highly familiar with us," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I just think that's the fun and excitement of divisional play, that intimacy, those relationships.

"Certainly, we have some new guys to us that need to establish themselves in the North. They have some new guys that we need to familiarize ourselves with. Looking forward to an action-packed game."

Receiver DK Metcalf is one of many Steelers players new to what AFC North football is all about.

"I've heard that this is where real football is played," said Metcalf. "I'm just looking forward to lining up against every other team that we play, including Sunday."

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaned on linebacker Patrick Queen for his take on the AFC North. Before signing with the Steelers, Queen played for the Baltimore Ravens, so he has seen the rivalries from all sides.

"I was asking PQ (Queen) about it the other day, because he's been on both sides with Baltimore and now with us," said Rodgers. "In my own time in the North and the NFC, I think there was always a great rivalry with Chicago, Minnesota. The states kind of don't like each other, so there was more bad blood between the fans. Detroit there wasn't the same type of energy, we wanted to beat them, but there wasn't like the hatred that Wisconsin people have for Minnesota. Or just the old school 100-year rivalry with big Chicago and little Green Bay.

"It seems like with this, that kind of rivalry is with the Browns, and the hatred goes both ways between Steelers and Bengals, and Steelers and Ravens."

Running back Jaylen Warren has spent his entire career with the Steelers, so the AFC North is all he knows.

And he likes it that way.

"AFC North, it's all I've known," said running back Jaylen Warren. "And I'm glad it's all I know because, even other divisions, they say this is the toughest division.

"Iron sharpens iron. They're a great team. We're a great team as well."

Ready to step up: Earlier this week the Steelers signed running back Raheem Blackshear to the practice squad, and now he is preparing if his number is called.

Blackshear spent three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, carrying the ball 52 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns.

Blackshear was also a returner for the Panthers, averaging 8.5-yards per punt return in 2024. He had 791 kick return yards in 2024, second-most in the NFL.

With Calvin Austin III dealing with a shoulder injury, Blackshear's experience as a returner with the new kickoff rules is something that could work for him and is comfortable if he is asked to do so.

"I got a year doing it in Carolina," said Blackshear. "So, I'm very comfortable with it now. Just learning the new scheme.

"It's not that different. Whatever they need me to do, I'm ready to work.

"I feel like it's still the same. It's a bunch of one-on-one blocks, so it's kind of like a big Oklahoma drill."

Blackshear originally signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent time on their practice squad, before being signed by the Panthers. He was most recently on the Tennessee Titans practice squad.

He spent two seasons at Virginia Tech, after transferring from Rutgers. In five seasons he appeared in 51 games, starting 27. He carried the ball 412 times for 1,932 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also returned 37 kickoffs for a 19.3-yard average, and five punts for a 4.4-yard average.

He is a Philadelphia native, so signing with the Steelers was something that meant a lot to him.

"I was extremely excited, close to home," said Blackshear. "It's easier for my mom to come to the games. So, I'm extremely excited to be here.

"This means everything, close to the home."

Ready if needed: Wide receiver Calvin Austin III was a non-participant in practice all week, a potential indication veteran wide receiver Scotty Miller's presence might be required as the next man up at the position on Sunday against Cleveland.

If it works out that way, Miller maintains he's stayed ready by "going to work every day, doing my job to the best of my ability.

"You never know when those opportunities are going to come but you better be ready for them when they come your way," he continued. "Hopefully get some chances this week."

Miller has yet to catch a pass and has been targeted just once while appearing on 35 offensive snaps over the Steelers' first four games.

But if he's asked to step up in any capacity against the Browns, he'll know how to navigate what for Miller is a familiar path.

"This is my seventh year now so I've been in a lot of different situations, definitely had one similar to this when I was in Tampa and Atlanta," he said. "You never know how a season's going to go but guys always go down or something always happens.

"I've been thrust into roles, you gotta be ready. That's how you get more opportunities."

Miller's most memorable response in such a situation was the 39-yard touchdown pass he caught from quarterback Tom Brady late in the second quarter of Tampa Bay's 31-26 victory over Green Bay in the 2020 NFC Championship Game.

"If you remember, we had signed 'A.B.' (wide receiver Antonio Brown) late in that season," Miller recalled. "'A.B.' got hurt the week before against the Saints and then 'A.B.' didn't play in the championship game against the Packers.

"I kinda slid into every-down player and I got that opportunity because of that. If 'A.B.' wouldn't have been hurt he would have been paying and probably in there on that play."

Miller also maintains he's become familiar enough with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to step up if called upon.

"Even in training camp when Calvin went down with his oblique injury I was kind of thrown in there and got a ton of reps with (Rodgers) every day in Latrobe," Miller said. "So more than ready to play with him and hope he would say the same.

"He's willing to throw the ball to anybody as long as you get open."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, October 9

Time for 'big boy' football: The Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, and while the two teams are currently at the opposite end of the spectrum in the AFC North standings, that has no impact on how the Steelers are approaching the game.

The Steelers, 3-1, are in first place in the AFC North, while the Browns, 1-4, are tied with the Ravens for last place.

But don't let the numbers fool you.

This is a Browns team that can do damage. Especially with a strong offensive line that is as solid and experienced a unit as you will find in the NFL.

"Their three interior people, (Wyatt) Teller, (Ethan) Pocic, (Joel) Bitonio, they've been doing it a long time," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I think Bitonio has 166 starts. The other guys have around 90 apiece in the National Football League. They've probably got 50 or so together, that collective, and I think that interior group up front really sets the pace for them, down in and down out from a protection standpoint and running the ball.

"I don't think enough is written and said about that collective and how critical that collective is to their offensive output and stability. Got a lot of respect for those guys."

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward doesn't need to see anything written about the group to know the impact they will have on Sunday's game.

"This means we get to play big boy football," said Heyward. "I've got a lot of respect for Teller and Bitonio, got to play him a lot over the years. Also, Pocic being part of that equation as well. They do a really good job.

"You can sit up here and just talk about how good (running back) Quinshon Judkins is and rightfully so. But I think it starts with those guys, them leaning on a defensive line, them always falling forward, leads them to have big days."

Judkins has 72 carries for 347 yards and two touchdowns in four games, including rushing for 110 yards against the Vikings last week in London, leading the way for a ground game that always produces.

"I think this is one of the best in the league," said Heyward. "Year in, year out, you talk about their rushing tandem and their rushing game. And it starts with their o-line really being established. Last week they had some guys banged up early on in the first quarter. But for us, we just have to get off a block, use our hands, and embrace the challenge."

Tomlin heaped a lot of praise on Judkins, a rookie out of Ohio State, and deservedly so.

"I can't say enough about what I'm seeing from Judkins," said Tomlin. "This guy has played in four games, he started three. He had absolutely no training camp to speak of, and that really highlights what it is that we're looking at. Kudos to him and kudos to them for what he and they are able to produce.

"He's a tough runner. He's good inside. He's got good patience and picking vision on interior running. He finishes off his runs with violence. He's underrated in terms of his ability to bounce it to the perimeter and pop long ones. He had a 60-yarder or so that got called back in London last week that kind of highlights that.

"I've seen this guy a lot. Obviously, we've got a couple of his teammates from Ohio State. I've seen a lot of his video. He's a complete back. He's the type of guy that can wear a defensive unit down. Certainly, they fit their mold.

"He's an awesome replacement, if you will, for Nick Chubb, and I think it's going to do nothing but get better with him and them."

Heyward, an Ohio State product himself, is more than familiar with Judkins, going from rooting for him in the past to trying to shut him down this week.

"He's always falling forward, good contact balance," said Heyward. "Even when they got a couple holdings, he was finishing plays. And that's really what sticks out in the Nick Chubb comparisons.

"He hits the hole hard and it's usually one or two guys having to bring him down, not just one guy. So, we've got to make sure a lot of guys get to the ball and the scrum is definitely falling backwards."

Things are heating up: Coach Mike Tomlin referred to the AFC North as the 'hot kitchen' in the past, knowing that the competition is intense and challenging when you get into divisional play.

And that begins on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, when the Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns in their first divisional game of the season.

"I just love being in big-time competition," said Tomlin this week. "I'm a competition junkie. I just think the divisional component of how our schedules are aligned in today's game, the intimacies specifically of the AFC North, the stability within the programs. (Head Coach) Kevin's (Stefanski) been in Cleveland for a number of years, I've known (defensive coordinator) Jim Schwartz for a long time.

"I think that intimacy, that knowledge creates competition. I think the geographic proximity creates a cool environment. There's a lot to be excited about relative to this game this weekend and AFC North football."

He isn't the only one who shares that feeling.

Safety Chuck Clark spent six seasons playing for the Baltimore Ravens, so he understands what the North is all about.

"It's tough football, physical football," said Clark. "I think with every team in the division, everybody knows everybody, so the games can go anyway.

"It's a tough division. A lot of physical football for sure."

There is always a little more hype when playing a divisional rival, even when the focus remains the same week-in and week-out.

"I try to treat every game the same, regardless," said Clark. "A division opponent, you play twice, but it definitely does mean something when you see them two times a year. So, you've got to make a statement the first time, so when you come back the second time. But I do try to take every game the same."

At the early juncture of the season, the Steelers are in first place in the AFC North at 3-1, with the Bengals (2-3), Ravens (1-4) and Browns (1-4) all behind them.

That adds to the importance of getting a win on Sunday in a divisional game.

"It's very important," said Clark. "Division games mean a lot. When it comes down to the win-loss record and playoff standings at the end of the year, when every game means something, you know one team trying to get in or something.

"But you can't take any games differently. Whether it's an NFC game on the road or a home division game. They are all important."

A stiff challenge: The Steelers got their ground game rolling against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, tallying 131 yards at Dublin's Croke Park.

This week, though, the challenge is going to be harder than ever.

The Steelers face the Cleveland Browns who boast the NFL's No. 1 defense against the run.

"Cleveland's got a really, really good front," said guard Mason McCormick. "We knew that from last year. We've seen it on tape again this year, and it'll be a good challenge for us, and we're excited.

"They're just super consistent with how they play. They're physical, they have really good guys, and I think they play well together."

That solid front seven includes defensive end Myles Garrett, someone quarterback Aaron Rodgers said you have to game plan for.

"Obviously Myles is really, really good," said McCormick. "He does a lot of things at a super high level. And obviously, there's different things you have to do to help negate what he can do. We'll see what happens."

The Steelers are going to need every weapon they have on Sunday to help negate Garrett's impact, including a full stable of healthy running backs.

They also could benefit again from the blocking of offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, who played 19 snaps on offense against the Vikings and tight end Darnell Washington.

"It's been awesome," said McCormick. "Having him and Darnell out there was awesome. Being able to hammer the edge a little bit and it was super fun for all of us."

Both sides of the rivalry: Safety Juan Thornhill spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Cleveland, so he's well familiar with AFC North Division rivalries, including the one shared by the Browns and the Steelers.

The attached dynamic, as Thornhill sees it, understandably includes ramped up emotion. But not in the way many might perceive.

"It's always going to be a little bit more intense," Thornhill said. "The emotions are going to be a lot more, the games mean a little bit more when you play against these division teams.

"The chirping, and things like that, it's gonna be fun."

To Thornhill, such annual battles are more about familiarity than contempt.

"I don't really think it's like a team hatred," he continued. "There's certain players that some guys just don't like, and that's why I think it shows. You see each other two times a year and it's like an every-year thing. Guys are there for the most part three to four years, so you get to know those guys pretty well.

"Going at it two times a year guys are gonna start building hatred towards each other. But other than that I don't think there's really, like, team hate, like us against Cleveland. It's just a faceless, nameless opponent to us."

Thornhill played three games against the Steelers over the last two seasons but insisted he didn't arrive with any lingering hard feelings regarding any of his new Steelers teammates.

"I didn't have any hatred at all, if I'm being completely honest," he maintained.

Thornhill also emphasized he won't be taking the field on Sunday harboring any lingering grudges toward the Browns.

"I know a lot of people probably want me to talk trash about them," he said. "I'm not really going to talk trash about them. I don't really care who we're playing. I've said this multiple times, it's a nameless opponent. I just don't care who lines up in front of me, I'm just ready to play.

"I'm trying to let my play on the field do all thew talking. I'm not trying to do the talking in the media and things like that. I'm over Cleveland, I'm moving on, moving forward. I'm not really looking back on the past."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Run it back: Coming off their best rushing performance of the season, the Steelers will resume play following last weekend's bye by hosting Cleveland and the Browns No. 1-ranked rushing defense on Sunday.

"Yeah, we're looking forward to it," center Zach Frazier announced. "I feel like every week someone's good. Minnesota was supposed to be really good, and they were good.

"You gotta bring it every week."

The Steelers brought it against the Vikings on Sept. 28 in Dublin. That was apparent on the stat sheet and by the way the offensive line demonstrably made its case to stay in the game and go for it on fourth-and-goal from the Minnesota 3-yard line with 4:14 left in the fourth quarter and the Steelers leading, 24-14.

"Yeah, we wanted to run that play," Frazier said. "We definitely want to stay out there. Plays like that at the end of the game, we want to try to take control of the game right there.

"You could definitely feel a different energy in that game. That was a fun game. We were definitely getting into it with them up front and just kinda could feel that energy as the game kept going on. I felt like we played hard up front."

Head coach Mike Tomlin ultimately sided with the offensive linemen and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, among others who wanted to go for the throat by scoring a touchdown rather than opting for a field goal that would have produced a 27-14 lead.

The Steelers went for it but they didn't get it (running back Kenneth Gainwell picked up 2 yards to the Vikings' 1 and the Steelers turned the ball over on downs).

The Steelers were also stopped for no gain on third-and-1 from the Minnesota 40 with 1:52 left in regulation (this time Tomlin punted the ball back to the Vikings on fourth down).

On both occasions the Steelers were unsuccessful attempting to run into a heavy box, two exceptions on a day when their running game was more consistent and more reliable than it had been throughout the first three games.

"We gotta finish," Frazier emphasized. "We know that's gonna happen, especially in four-minute (offense), end of game, stuff like that.

"We were close. We just gotta be a little bit better and close out games like that."

- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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.

**Sign up today**.

Wednesday, October 8

Sticking with the process: Running back Jaylen Warren was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, returning after missing the Steelers win over the Minnesota Vikings with a knee injury.

Warren is happy to be back.

"We we're just being preventative," said Warren of missing the Vikings game. "We had the bye the following week. So it was that decision, whatever they thought I was good."

With Warren out, Kenneth Gainwell got the start and responded with 19 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

It was a performance Warren enjoayed watching and wasn't surprised by Gainwell's success.

"He was fantastic," said Warren. "It was good seeing him. We all knew watching practice every day that was going to come to light. As you all saw it, that's the game it came."

The running game produced 131 yards against the Vikings, some of that thanks to extra blocking by offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, who reported eligible, and tight end Darnell Washington.

"The more big bodies there are the better," said Warren. "I mean, as you all saw last game, they were moving people and film doesn't lie. They do that thing and as running backs, we love to see that."

Whether there is more of that this week or not has yet to be determined. But it might be needed.

The Browns have the NFL's No. 1 ranked run defense, and it's going to be a challenge on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

"They have a very good front, very good secondary," said Warren. "But we got some players too. So, we're just excited to do our thing."

Warren knows the Browns are going to be out to stop the run and he is ready to do whatever offensive coordinator Arthur Smith dials up on Sunday to get a win.

"I'm going to just stick with the process," said Warren. "We got guys over here and whatever Art decides to call, that's what we play behind."

Playmakers all over the field: DK Metcalf loves to catch passes.

Of course he does, he's a receiver.

But when you are a Steelers receiver, there is another aspect to the game.

Blocking.

And he welcomes that, as do his fellow receivers, helping the run game when they need to, and helping each other as well.

"Everybody's willing to take on that challenge," said Metcalf. "Receivers are known for catching the football, but we've got everybody in the room wanting to block. We just take it seriously, because those are our brothers running the ball."

Metcalf can move when he has the ball in his hands as well, clearly evidenced against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland when he had an 80-yard catch and run touchdown.

It's just another example of what Metcalf points out about the talent on the offensive side of the ball.

"We've got playmakers all over the field," said Metcalf. "I'm just happy to be here playing football. We're 3-1 right now, just looking forward to playing the Browns on Sunday."

And as far as where Metcalf thinks the offense is right now as a whole, he knows only time will tell.

"We won't know until Sunday," said Metcalf. "I don't have a good measuring stick of how good our run game is going to be until we line up and play on Sunday. But the biggest point of turning those run plays into explosives, is everybody doing their job.

"Receivers blocking, tight ends blocking, running back running, hitting the hole, trusting.

"I think it's just a big group effort every time we step out on the field."

Making moves: The Steelers signed linebacker Jacoby Windmon to the practice squad.

Windmon was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent time on the team's practice squad.

He was signed by the Carolina Panthers partway through the 2024 season, playing in eight games, with two starts. He had 22 tackles and one and half sacks for the Panthers.

Windmon played in 41 career games in college, playing two seasons at Michigan State after transferring from UNLV. In 2023 he played in 11 games, recording 64 tackles, 23 of them solo stops. He had 12.5 tackles for a loss and six and a half sacks. He also had six forced fumbles, three passes defensed and an interception. For his career he had 233 tackles with 27 tackles for a loss, 18.5 sacks, six passes broken up, nine forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery.

That's more like it: The Steelers' running game was appreciably different against Minnesota in Dublin, statistically and in the way it felt for those paving the way up front.

"We were having fun out there," offensive lineman Spencer Anderson acknowledged. "We were coming on the sideline having fun, just getting back to what we know and playing our brand of ball.

"We had a couple of successful runs the past weeks. But two weeks ago, whenever it was, I feel like we kinda took off in the run game."

The Steelers rushed a season-high 29 times for a season-high 131 yards, including a season-high 11 rushing first downs and a season-high two rushing touchdowns in their 24-21 win over the Vikings on Sept. 28 in Ireland.

After struggling to find rhythm and consistency on the ground over the season's first three weeks, the Steelers were able to eliminate the outside noise on the way to "getting back to what we know," Anderson maintained.

"Just believing in ourselves and not trying to do too much," he said. "Obviously, throughout the weeks, you can get kinda the pressure on, like 'maybe the O-line's doing this,' or 'maybe the O-line needs to do that.'

"At the end of the day, just cover guys up and let (running back) Jaylen (Warren) and 'Kenny G' (running back Kenneth Gainwell) and (running back) Kaleb (Johnson) do whatever they need to do."

A significant component of the ground game's resurgence against Minnesota was Anderson reporting in as an extra tight end ("No. 74 is eligible"). Anderson played 19 offensive snaps against the Vikings (35.8 percent) after having appeared on a combined nine offensive snaps over the season's first three weeks.

The Steelers deployed Anderson in such a fashion because of a desired schematic matchup, and, Anderson suspected, because his performance since training camp made using him in that capacity a viable option in the eyes of the coaching staff.

"Just every day during practice, doing my job," Anderson said. "A lot of the time during (training) camp, I have those days where I have a heavy workload because (veteran left guard) Isaac (Seumalo) is not practicing and what not. Just every day during camp, doing my job. Obviously, it worked for me and obviously, they see a level of trust."

Anderson, a seventh-round pick out of Maryland in 2023, made his first four career starts last season (three over the course of the first three games, all in place of Seumalo, and as an extra tight end on Nov. 17 against the Ravens).

"Obviously, that was our focus last (game)," he said of potential steady work as an extra tight end. "We'll see what it ends up being in the long run. It worked for us last (game) and I thought it was pretty good."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Rivalry week: Offensive tackle Broderick Jones doesn't have to look at a schedule to be made aware of what's coming up next for the Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has already sent the tone in advance of the first AFC North Division game of the season on Sunday against Cleveland.

As Tomlin traditionally does.

"You can just tell when it's a divisional week," Jones said. "He comes in with a different mindset, a different fire about himself. He does a good job just preparing us and having us ready for those games when they come around. Just the grit it takes to get through one of those games because they're so physical, you just gotta continue to grind it out. And he knows that and he tells us that.

"I feel like he prepares us the best way possible for those games."

Tomlin's message always resonates in such situations, in Jones' estimation.

"Once 'Mike T' says something, he's like everybody's dad in the locker room," Jones continued. "You listen to what he's saying and you take it in. We try to implement that in our day-to-day.

"We're just trying to come out and get it for him and for us and this team."

Jones has a pretty good idea what that'll demand.

"You just gotta have that 'oomph' about you when it's time to play those little big brothers in your division," he said. "You just gotta be on your 'A' game."

That might be of particular importance to Jones if a matchup against Browns defensive end Myles Garrett materializes.

Jones was asked what sets Garrett apart after practice today.

"What doesn't set him apart is the question," Jones countered. "He's just an amazing player all around. Plays the run, plays the pass, he's just a freak of nature. You gotta do everything you can to slow him down. You just try to keep a lid on him, I guess that's the right way to say it.

"That's the gameplan. Hopefully, we can stick to it and execute."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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.

**Sign up today**.

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.

**Sign up today**.