Highsmith’s long-awaited return is here. The talented front-seven defender should make an immediate impact, both as a pass rusher and as a run defender. The team will have to wait for another week to get DT Montravius Adams Sr. (knee) back from injured reserve but he promisingly practiced in full on Thursday and Friday this week.

Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that he “fully expected” Highsmith to be back this week after the pass-rusher missed the last three games with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 10 against the Commanders. Injuries have limited Highsmith to just six games this year, but he’s managed three sacks, four TFLs, and 19 total tackles in those games. There’s a good chance he’ll be completely removed from the injury report on Friday.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters yesterday he expects Highsmith to return from the ankle injury this week. A limited session on Wednesday is a step in the right direction. Highsmith has missed three games because of the injury and previously missed three more with a groin issue. He has three sacks and four TFLs in six appearances this season.

Highsmith has missed three games with the ankle injury, matching the three games he missed from Weeks 4-6 with a groin injury. He somehow avoided injured reserve both times. Highsmith has three sacks in six games, along with 10 quarterback hits, and should be a boost for Pittsburgh’s pass defense against Jameis Winston.