Steelers Gain Momentum After Early Bye: Highsmith and Porter Jr. Set to Return in Crucial Week 6 Showdown

PITTSBURGH, PA — The bye week came at just the right time for the Pittsburgh Steelers — and the results couldn’t have been better. While the black-and-gold rested and healed, all three of their AFC North rivals stumbled in Week 5. Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland each suffered losses, giving the Steelers an unexpected gift: a two-game lead in the division just five weeks into the season.

And the good news didn’t stop there. On Monday, reports confirmed that two key defensive starters — edge rusher Alex Highsmith and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. — returned to practice during the team’s bonus session. Both are now expected to suit up when the Steelers face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6, a divisional matchup that suddenly carries even more weight.

Highsmith’s Return: A Defensive Boost

For weeks, the Steelers’ defensive line has felt the absence of Alex Highsmith, one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers. Highsmith has missed Pittsburgh’s last two games with a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 2, and Monday marked the first time he’s practiced since going down with the injury.

His presence cannot be overstated. Before the setback, Highsmith had already tallied eight tackles, seven quarterback pressures, and one sack in limited action. His ability to collapse the pocket and create havoc on the edge makes him a natural complement to T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ defensive centerpiece.

Highsmith has also developed a reputation as a Browns killer. In nine career games against Cleveland, he’s recorded nine sacks and registered two takeaways — including a memorable pick-six in 2023 that swung the game in Pittsburgh’s favor. If he takes the field Sunday, even on a limited snap count, his return could tilt the balance of power in this rivalry game.

Porter Jr. Ready to Bounce Back

While Highsmith’s absence has hurt the pass rush, the Steelers have also been forced to play without Joey Porter Jr., the young cornerback who many hoped would break out this season. Porter injured his hamstring in the season opener against the New York Jets, and hasn’t played since.

Last week, he was limited in practice but hinted that the bye week gave him the extra time he needed to recover. On Monday, Porter confirmed it outright:

“I’m back for sure,” Porter told reporters, his confidence a welcome sign for a secondary in need of depth.

His return couldn’t come at a better time. All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey, acquired to bolster the defensive backfield, suffered a hamstring injury of his own in Week 4 against the Vikings. With Ramsey unlikely to play in Week 6, Porter Jr. will step into a starting role alongside veterans Darius Slay and Brandin Echols.

For Porter, this moment carries extra significance. Entering his third season, he’s looking to rebound from what many considered a sophomore slump in 2024. With added responsibility now thrust upon him, he has a golden opportunity to prove he can be a cornerstone of the Steelers’ secondary for years to come.

Timing Couldn’t Be Better

The Steelers’ defense, long the backbone of the franchise, has been tested by injuries early in 2025. Yet despite missing stars, they’ve remained competitive thanks to depth, coaching adjustments, and the consistent brilliance of Watt. Getting Highsmith and Porter back now not only strengthens the unit, it restores the defense’s identity as one of the league’s most feared.

The timing is critical. Cleveland may have stumbled in Week 5, but their offense remains dangerous, and their defense — led by Myles Garrett — is among the NFL’s most disruptive. For Pittsburgh, this game is an opportunity to assert dominance in the AFC North and extend their divisional lead.

A Division in Flux

The AFC North has long been considered one of football’s toughest divisions, and this season is no exception. Yet after Week 5, the Steelers sit in the driver’s seat — not because of gaudy offensive stats, but because of resilience and opportunism.

• The Ravens dropped a close one, exposing weaknesses in their secondary.

• The Bengals continued to struggle with consistency, as Joe Burrow battles lingering health issues.

• The Browns, while formidable on defense, lack stability on offense.

Suddenly, the Steelers’ path to controlling the division seems clearer than many anticipated. And with reinforcements returning, the timing couldn’t be better.

Highsmith and Watt: A Nightmare Duo

One of the biggest storylines heading into Week 6 is the reunion of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edge. Together, they form one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing tandems.

Opposing quarterbacks are already wary of Watt, whose ability to wreck plays singlehandedly makes him a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Add Highsmith back into the mix, and Pittsburgh’s front seven transforms from strong to terrifying.

Against a Browns team with questions along the offensive line, that could spell disaster for Cleveland’s passing attack.

Porter Jr.’s Moment

For Porter Jr., Sunday’s matchup is more than just a comeback — it’s a test of growth. After flashes of brilliance as a rookie, his second season didn’t meet expectations. Critics wondered whether he could translate his athleticism into consistent play at the pro level.

Now, with the Browns’ receivers looming, Porter will face the perfect chance to silence doubters. Covering top targets, contributing in run support, and holding his own without Ramsey beside him will define whether his third year becomes the breakout season fans envisioned.

Fans React with Optimism

Steelers Nation, known for its passion and loyalty, greeted the news of Highsmith and Porter’s return with relief and excitement. Social media lit up Monday with fans declaring that Pittsburgh’s defense would finally be at full force again.

“Highsmith + Watt = nightmares for QBs,” one fan wrote.
“Porter’s back just in time — Browns don’t stand a chance,” added another.

The optimism reflects a growing belief that the Steelers are not just surviving this season, but quietly building momentum toward a playoff run.

Looking Ahead

The Steelers will host the Browns in Week 6, a game that carries major implications for the AFC North race. With their defense reloaded and momentum on their side, Pittsburgh has the chance to make a statement win — one that could establish them as the team to beat in the division.

Beyond that, the rest of the season remains a grind. But if Highsmith and Porter stay healthy, and Ramsey returns in the coming weeks, the Steelers could once again boast one of the league’s most complete defenses.

Conclusion: A Team on the Rise

The bye week gave the Steelers more than rest. It gave them clarity, confidence, and reinforcements. With Highsmith and Porter Jr. back in action, Pittsburgh enters Week 6 with renewed strength — and a golden opportunity to extend its lead in a competitive division.

As always, the Steelers embody the spirit of their city: resilient, tough, and ready for any fight. And as they prepare to battle the Browns, one thing is clear: this team is just getting started.