The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to get a major boost — and the AFC North just felt the tremor.
After weeks of battling injuries and lineup instability, the black and gold are rising again. Reports out of Pittsburgh confirm that Joey Porter Jr., Alex Highsmith, and Jaylen Warren are all expected to return in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns — a comeback that could completely reshape the division race.
For weeks, Steelers fans have been holding their breath. Joey Porter Jr., the young cornerback who started his sophomore season with sky-high expectations, went down in Week 1. The defense, once hailed as one of the league’s deepest, suddenly felt paper-thin. But now, Porter’s imminent return signals hope — and danger for opposing quarterbacks.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette broke the story during his appearance on The Pomp & Joe Show on 93.7 The Fan. “I think he was close to coming back for the Vikings game, they held him out. I do think he’s gonna be ready to go for Cleveland,” Fittipaldo said. He didn’t stop there: “I think Alex Highsmith is gonna be back, I think Jaylen Warren will be back.”
That single sentence — ‘they’ll be back’ — could define the Steelers’ season.
Highsmith’s return is massive. The EDGE rusher, who forms one half of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing duo alongside T.J. Watt, has been sorely missed. Watt has continued his reign of terror, but opposing offensive lines could at least focus on one side. Now? With Highsmith returning, Pittsburgh’s defense once again becomes a nightmare to protect against.
Nick Herbig, the rookie sensation who filled in for Highsmith, has been nothing short of electric — but imagine adding a fully healthy Highsmith back into that rotation. Three top-tier pass rushers, one mission: chaos.
Then there’s Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh’s offense, for all its early-season criticism, found life when Warren took the field in Weeks 2 and 3. His explosiveness out of the backfield, his ability to turn broken plays into highlights — that energy changed the game. With Najee Harris still finding his rhythm, Warren’s return could reignite the Steelers’ running attack at exactly the right time.
Against the Vikings, Pittsburgh’s ground game finally showed signs of life. Now, with Warren back in the mix, the offense may finally have the balance it’s been missing. “He brings juice,” one team source reportedly said. “You can feel it in the huddle.”
Still, not all news is good. Both Jalen Ramsey and Calvin Austin III are expected to be out against the Browns, leaving gaps in the secondary and receiver corps. Losing Ramsey, especially, stings — his versatility in coverage has been crucial in containing opposing deep threats. But the return of Porter may soften the blow, allowing defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to rebuild his coverage schemes with more confidence.
Porter’s presence opposite veteran Darius Slay could restore the lockdown energy that Steelers fans have been craving. If the secondary can hold up just long enough for Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig to do their damage up front, Pittsburgh might finally be fielding the defense it envisioned all offseason.
And make no mistake — the AFC North is watching. Cleveland’s offense has been erratic, Baltimore has shown flashes but remains inconsistent, and Cincinnati’s struggles have been well-documented. If the Steelers can string together wins with their key players returning, they could quietly surge to the top of one of football’s toughest divisions.
Coach Mike Tomlin, known for his steady hand in adversity, will likely provide more details when he meets with the media on Tuesday. But one thing is clear: optimism is back in Pittsburgh.
At 3-1, the Steelers are already exceeding expectations. Now, with a defense reloaded and an offense regaining its spark, this team isn’t just surviving — it’s evolving.
Highsmith’s relentless motor. Porter’s fire. Warren’s electricity. The combination could be exactly what the Steelers need to turn a promising start into something far greater.
For a franchise built on grit and glory, this is the kind of moment that defines seasons — and legends.
Week 6 isn’t just another divisional matchup. It’s a statement game. A test of resolve. A battle between what the Steelers have endured — and what they’re about to become.
The Browns should brace themselves. The Steelers aren’t limping into Cleveland. They’re charging back — faster, stronger, and hungrier than ever.
The Steel Curtain isn’t just rising. It’s roaring.
