Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith on Thursday took a significant step in his return to game action, practicing fully for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain four weeks ago.
Assuming no setbacks Friday before the final league-mandated status report of the week is released, it is expected Highsmith will play in Sunday’s home game against the Cleveland Browns.
Highsmith, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and running back Jaylen Warren are expected to return from absences of varying lengths. Porter has been out since suffering a hamstring injury during the Sept. 7 season opener, Highsmith has been out since Week 2 and Warren did not play in the Steelers most recent game because of a knee injury.
Two players who were injured during that game — a Sept. 28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin — have yet to return to practice and are expected to miss the matchup against the Browns: cornerback Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) and receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder).
The only other player on the Steelers’ injury report for a reason aside from rest was receiver Ben Skowronek, who returned to full practice participation Thursday after being limited Wednesday because of illness.
