Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Cam Heyward is approaching Sunday as if he’ll play in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ regular-season opener. He didn’t confirm that he’d be on the field for the road matchup against the New York Jets, however.
“You know, I’m preparing. We’ve still got some time, but we’ll see,” Heyward said after practice Friday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Heyward also said “we’ll see” about his availability for the clash during an episode of his podcast earlier this week. On Friday, Heyward said he wishes he could be more optimistic about the direction of talks regarding a new deal and admitted the situation has been tough on him.
“I’m just trying to stay in the moment,” Heyward said. “I don’t have all the answers. It’s more of me just waiting and seeing what can happen. … I thought this would be a lot easier, but it’s gotten dragged on. Luckily, it hasn’t affected my teammates.”
Heyward sat out during Thursday’s practice as part of a vet day off. He suited up and took part in the Steelers’ session on Friday. The Steelers are expecting him to play against the Jets.
“He’s our leader so I’m confident he’s gonna play. He’s an All-Pro guy for us,” Alex Highsmith said on Thursday.
“Absolutely. He’s been practicing. … I’m anticipating him playing,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said the same day.
Word first surfaced regarding Heyward’s desire for a new contract last month during training camp. He’s scheduled to make $14.75 million this season, with $13.45 million of that having already been paid out as a roster bonus in March. He’s currently the 22nd-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL based on average annual value.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Cam Heyward Doubles Down on Threat to Miss Steelers’ Opener
