Hoke and Essex focusing at Browns game for return

The Tribune-Review reports that a couple injured Steelers are looking at the Browns game for their return.

Nose tackle Chris Hoke and right guard Trai Essex are targeting Oct. 17 as their return date. Essex hasn’t played since the second game of the season because of a high ankle sprain. Hoke is recovering from a sprained knee and didn’t play this past Sunday. They will benefit from the bye. “I should be ready,” Hoke said of the Steelers’ Oct. 17 game against the Browns.

“You like to have bye weeks later in the year. For me, it’s come at a good time.” Essex, who is planning on practicing next week, agreed. “The bye came at a perfect time if I was going to be hurt,” Essex said. “I’m actually recovering faster than I thought.” Doug Legursky has started the last two games at right guard and has been lauded by the coaches for his play. When asked if he will have to win his job back from Legursky, Essex said, “I’m going to come in as if I’m starting (again). I’d like to think you don’t lose your starting job to injury.”