Steelers injury report: Alex Highsmith returns; DK Metcalf, Joey Porter Jr. to play vs. Bills

Aaron Rodgers isn’t the only prominent Pittsburgh Steelers starter set to return to the lineup this week.

After a two-game absence because of a pectoral injury, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith on Friday was given the formal green light to play in Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

“It feels great to know I’m back,” he said after Friday’s practice. “It’s definitely been frustrating, this season regarding injuries, and then especially last year too. I’m glad to be back in the lineup. I’m just grateful.

“I’ve really just been trying to dominate what I can control, dominate being the best teammate, dominate rehab every single day.”

Dating to last season and counting the preseason, Highsmith has missed multiple-game spans of action over five different occasions (10 regular-season games total) over the past 14 months.

When Highsmith was out, Nick Herbig stepped into the lineup at outside linebacker opposite T.J. Watt. Rookie Jack Sawyer was bumped up to the No. 3 OLB role.

Highsmith has 5 ½ sacks, 10 QB hits, six tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a batted-down pass in seven games this season.

“It’s good for the rotation, for sure,” Watt said of Highsmith’s return. “We can get guys on, get guys off, know that the guy behind us is going to be able to go out there and perform at a high level. I’m excited to get him back.”

Porter, Metcalf OK

Two other starters — receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. — were also given no injury designation on the league-mandated status report, meaning they will play against the Bills.

Metcalf, Porter and depth receiver Ben Skowronek all practiced fully Friday.

Porter (hip) and Metcalf (ankle) are starters who suffered injuries during this past Sunday’s defeat at the Chicago Bears and had missed some practice time earlier this week. Skowronek (shoulder) did not practice at all until Friday but will play Sunday.

Heyward OK

The Steelers had previously announced that starting left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) and starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee) would miss Sunday’s game. Neither practiced all week.

The only other player with an injury designation at all this week was defensive captain Cameron Heyward, who was limited Wednesday because of an ankle ailment. The defensive lineman, though, will play through it against the Bills just as he did last week in Chicago.