Teh Steelers’ inactive list today includes wide receiver George Pickens, who was on the injury report late this week with a hamstring injury.
Highsmith missed the last three games with an ankle injury but is a go for today’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
“alex Highsmith is a playmaker,” said fellow outside linebacker T.J. Watt. “You think splash when you think of him. Big-time plays in big-time moments. To be able to have the depth that we have at outside linebacker, I feel very comfortable with having all four of us healthy, five if you include (Jeremiah) Moon as well.”
“It allows us to take a breather. You don’t have to play 90 plus percent of snaps, which it feels like we’ve been playing this season. So, anytime I can get a breather and let (Nick) Herbig or Preston (Smith) go in there and get some good quality reps, it’s a benefit to all of us.”
Watt getting a breather as of having everyone healthy is something that can only benefit the defense.
“It’s a lot. It really is,” said Watt of the workload. “You watch film, and you self-evaluate, especially after the Thursday game when you have a weekend to really break down and self-evaluate, and just really look at percentages and plays and snaps I’m playing per game, and it’s too much.”
“This past week, I tried to dial it back a little bit, and we’re going to find a happy medium so when I’m out there, I’m going 100 percent all the time and not resting on the field.”
Just the thought of having that group healthy is something that has Coach Mike Tomlin feeling good.
“You can’t run out of rushmen. I’m so excited about the potential of getting Alex Highsmith back and the advancement of (Nick) Herbig, the acclimation of Preston (Smith). You can’t run out of rushmen, particularly in December.”
“It’s exciting. Make no mistake,there’s enough work for all parties involved,and we’re excited about sorting that out as we prepare.”
While Highsmith’s return has Tomlin happy, on the flip side, it’s something Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has to be aware of.
“Obviously, he’s one of the top rushers in this league,” said Dorsey. “He generates pressure. He’s a high-effort guy. He can win with speed, win with power, and with the depth they have at the position and then obviously (T.J.) Watt on the other side, it’s a challenging combo.”
The full list of inactives is below.