The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns released their final injury reports of the week on Wednesday ahead of their Thursday night football contest in Week 12 and a total of four players have been ruled out between the two teams.
For the second consecutive game, the Steelers won't have outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who is dealing with an ankle sprain that was suffered in Week 10. The Steelers will look to Nick Herbig and Preston Smith to fill the void. Highsmith was expected to miss multiple weeks initially, so he has a chance to be back next week.
Herbig played 50 snaps to Smith's 17 in Week 11. During the week, head coach Mike Tomlin explained the division of labor in Highsmith's absence.
"We were getting off the field," Tomlin said. "We were possessing the ball some on offense. There wasn't as many defensive snaps to go around. Herbig's conditioning —or lack thereof — wasn't as compromised because of those things and it made the divvying of the reps a less significant discussion, to be quite honest with you."
MORE: Time, TV schedule for Steelers vs. Browns game
Tomlin added that the goal is to work Smith and wide receiver Mike Williams in more as the team gets to know them.
In the secondary, the Steelers won't have cornerback Cory Trice, who remains on the injured reserve list for another week. Trice was designated to return last week and had a full week of full practices, so he's very close. Chances are he'll be activated next week.
In Cleveland, the Browns have a pair of players ruled out. Tight end Geoff Swaim is still working his way back from a concussion suffered last week, and despite the fact that he said he expected to play, offensive tackle Jedrick Wills won't suit up.
Steelers injury designations
OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle): Out
CB Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring): Out
Browns injury designations
TE Geoff Swaim (concussion): Out
OT Jedrick Wills (knee): Out
MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS
Steelers vs. Browns picks, predictions
Donte Jackson throws serious shade at the Panthers
NFL power rankings Week 12: Steelers crack the top 5
