Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Cam Heyward is still unhappy about the status of his contract, with just days to go before the start of the 2025 season, but that isn’t the reason the Pittsburgh Steelers are giving for his absence from practice on Thursday.
Heyward did not practice in the team’s second session of the week after being a full participant in a padded workout on Wednesday. The Steelers characterized his absence as a resting veteran on their practice report for Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he expects Heyward to play, citing his practice participation.
Other than the absence of Heyward, the rest of the team’s lineup was status quo, with outside linebacker Nick Herbig again a limited participant.
Derrick Harmon suffered a knee injury during the Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 21. He was diagnosed with a right MCL sprain, and has yet to return to practice since. Head coach Mike Tomlin ruled Harmon out for the team’s Week 1 game against the New York Jets.
Isaiahh Loudermilk is expected to start in place of Harmon, with Daniel Ekuale and Yahya Black also seeing increased roles.
Nick Herbig left the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a hamstring injury. Mike Tomlin said on Sept. 1 that Herbig is questionable to play in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Herbig returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, Sept. 3 and was limited against on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Jack Sawyer will see an increased role, if Herbig plays or is limited in his reps by the injury. DeMarvin Leal is a candidate to be elevated from the practice squad. Malik Harrison is an option to play outside linebacker in an in-game emergency situation.
Cory Trice suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on Aug. 1. He returned to practice in a limited capacity before being placed on the injured reserve list on Aug. 26. By rule, Trice must spend at least four weeks on the injured reserve list. He is eligible to return in Week 6, after the Steelers’ bye, against the Cleveland Browns. Trice will count as one of the team’s eight IR-return designations, whether he actually returns or not.
Donte Kent suffered a right foot/ankle injury in training camp. He returned to practice in a limited capacity before the team’s cut-down to 53 players on Aug. 26. Kent made the initial roster, but was placed on the injured reserve list the next day. He must miss at least four weeks by rule and is eligible to return in Week 6, after the Steelers’ bye, against the Cleveland Browns.
Will Howard suffered a broken right pinky finger, during training camp practice on Aug. 5. He made the team’s initial 53-man roster, but was...
