Steelers Star Cam Heyward Returns to Practice

Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward is back at practice on Thursday, and the team has opened his 21-day window to return to the team’s active roster, they announced. Heyward was placed on injured reserve after he suffered a core muscle injury that required surgery. The estimated time he was likely to miss was eight weeks, and they are approaching that window for him to return.

Pittsburgh can activate Heyward at any time. In order to return to the active roster, a corresponding move would be made. It he is not activated after 21 days, Heyward will be out for the season.

On Wednesday, Heyward was seen cutting and working with power on his way to return. This will be the first time he is back at practice, and while his return is not likely against the Jaguars, it could open for the return of the defense’s captain against the Titans on November 2nd, a Thursday night game. He suffered the injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the team’s opener.

Cam Heyward vowed to return early, stating that timetables are for others. He will likely need time to ramp up and could still miss the next two games, with the return date target potentially being on November 12th against the Packers if he can not play against Tennessee.

“There’s timetables out there, but I’m not a regular person,” Heyward said. “Every injury I’ve been a part of, I’ve been cleared earlier than expected. It’s not going to stop me from working. Timetables are for other people, I make my own.”

On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said he did not have an update on Cam Heyward and his status, but it seems he continues to work. It appears he is getting closer, and while the Steelers have played well in his absence up front, their run defense has significantly suffered without him. Pittsburgh can naturally use all the help they can get to boost their front, and Heyward’s return could open things up even more for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.