Cameron Heyward Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Bears game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 6, 2025
Gets revised deal, will play Week 1
Heyward and the Steelers agreed to a revised contract Saturday that adds more than $3 million in new-money incentives, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had been seeking a reworked contract throughout training camp, and he and the team were ultimately able to agree upon adding incentives that will allow him to make up to $18 million in 2025. With the new deal in place, Heyward will almost certainly take the field Sunday against the Jets. That wasn't a certainty at the start of the weekend, as Heyward wasn't fully committal about suiting up when asked Friday about whether he'd play.
Sep 5, 2025
Week 1 availability uncertain
Heyward said Friday he's "preparing" to play Sunday against the Jets, though he wouldn't commit to being on the field amid a lingering contract dispute, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward's availability for Sunday's season opener may hinge on a reworked contract being worked out between him and the Steelers. The veteran pass rusher has been participating in practice, so he's unlikely to face a ramp-up period if and when Heyward takes the field. Heyward had 8.0 sacks and 11 passes defensed in the 2024 regular season.
Sep 2, 2025
Expected to play Week 1
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he expects Heyward to play in Sunday's Week 1 game against the Jets, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward angled for a new contract and conducted a "hold in" during training camp, only practicing on a limited basis throughout the summer, but Tomlin believes his star defensive lineman will be on the field for the start of the regular season. Heyward is now 36 years old but did start all 17 regular-season contests last season, recording 71 tackles (35 solo), including 8.0 sacks, and a career-best 11 pass deflections. He was named a first-team All-Pro.
Aug 11, 2025
Could sit out in regular season
Heyward signaled Monday that he wouldn't rule out missing regular season games as he tries to negotiate a restructured contract, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Due to a contract dispute with Pittsburgh, Heyward has not been fully participating in team activities as the 2025 season quickly approaches. Until he and the Steelers reach some agreement on his desire for a raise after a strong 2024 season, his availability will be in some degree of doubt.
Aug 7, 2025
Seeking reworked contract
Heyward hasn't been fully participating in training camp practices as he seeks a restructured contract from the Steelers, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward is "holding in" similarly to a few other players around the league who are at their team facilities but not fully participating in practice due to contract disputes. The veteran pass rusher is looking for a raise from his current $14.75 million salary on the heels of a strong 2024 regular season in which he posted 8.0 sacks and 11 passes defensed. There hasn't been much progress on a reworked deal, per Schefter, as the Steelers have prioritized other contracts and moves in what has been a busy offseason.
Jan 21, 2025
Bounces back with strong 2024
Heyward posted 71 tackles, including 8.0 sacks, along with 11 pass defenses in 17 games during the regular season.
ANALYSIS
Heyward played in only 11 regular-season contests in 2023 and logged just 2.0 sacks, leading some to wonder how much he had left in the tank. The veteran defensive end showed this season that he still has fuel to burn, as he ranked second on the Steelers with 8.0 sacks and led the team with a career-high 11 defensed passes. Heyward was also productive in Pittsburgh's lone playoff game, recording a season-high 10 tackles. He signed a two-year contract extension in September that could set him up to retire as a Steeler.
Jan 9, 2025
Cleared to suit up Saturday
Heyward (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation for Saturday's road wild-card game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward missed back-to-back practices to begin the week, but he's fully recovered from his illness and is ready to rock for Saturday's road AFC wild-card clash. The veteran defensive lineman racked up 8.0 sacks across 17 regular-season appearances and will work to provide pressure against Baltimore's standout signal-caller Lamar Jackson.
Jan 8, 2025
Misses another practice
Heyward (illness) did not practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward has missed back-to-back practices due to a flu, per Pryor. The veteran edge rusher has limited time remaining to get back to full health before Saturday's road wild-card matchup against the Ravens. Heyward tallied 8.0 sacks across 17 regular-season appearances, so his availability will be pivotal to Pittsburgh's chances of getting pressure on opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Jan 7, 2025
Dealing with illness
Heyward (illness) didn't practice Tuesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward played and logged his usual snap count in last Saturday's loss to the Bengals, but he's since been struck by an illness. It's early enough in the week that the veteran defensive lineman will likely be able to recover from the ailment adequately enough to suit up in Saturday's AFC wild-card game against the Ravens, though it nonetheless bears monitoring his practice status throughout the remainder of the week. Heyward was once again a key member of the Steelers' pass rush with 8.0 sacks during 17 regular-season games.
Dec 10, 2024
Takes down Jameis twice in win
Heyward recorded five tackles (three solo), including 2.0 sacks, in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
The veteran defensive lineman now has 8.0 sacks on the year among 55 tackles (29 solo). Heyward also has eight pass breakups. The 2011 first-round pick has played in all 13 games and on at least 59 percent of the defensive snaps in each contest.
Dec 2, 2024
Five tackles in win
Heyward recorded five total tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding a pass defensed in Sunday's 44-38 win over the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Heyward notched his first sack since Week 10, bringing down Joe Burrow in the victory. Additionally, the defensive lineman reached at least four tackles for the fourth time in five games and ninth time overall in 2024. Heyward has now produced 50 total tackles (26 solo), including 6.0 sacks, while registering eight passes defensed this season.
Nov 11, 2024
Records two sacks in win
Heyward recorded two solo tackles, both of which were sacks, and a pass defensed in Sunday's 28-27 win over the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
The defensive end also played on 86 percent of the defensive snaps. Heyward has 35 tackles (20 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and three pass breakups in 2024.
Oct 1, 2024
Two split sacks vs. Indianapolis
Heyward finished Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts with six tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks.
ANALYSIS
Heyward got to backup quarterback Joe Flacco twice Sunday, as the former split sacks with Beanie Bishop and Larry Ogunjobi in the third and fourth quarter, respectively. Heyward is now up to 2.0 sacks on the year, which ties his total across 11 regular-season games in 2023.
Sep 23, 2024
Records sack in win
Heyward logged four tackles (three solo), including 1.0 sack, in Pittsburgh's 20-10 win over the Chargers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward helped limit the Los Angeles' offense to just 168 total yards and also managed to record his first sack of the campaign. Through his first three appearances season the 35-year-old has now amassed 11 tackles (six solo).
Sep 3, 2024
Reaches new deal
Heyward re-signed with the Steelers on a three-year deal Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was entering the final year of his deal but will now be tied to the team through the 2026 season. While the 35-year-old is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career recording just 2.0 sacks, he will look to return to his previous form during the upcoming campaign.
Jul 25, 2024
Present for camp
Heyward (groin) was a full participant at Thursday's practice, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
There were questions about whether Heyward would hold out of training camp as he continues to look for a new contract, but those were answered after he reported Thursday. The 13-year veteran also underwent offseason surgery to clean up his groin, and it now seems as if he's fully moved past the issue. Heyward is set to make a base salary of $16 million in 2024, and he's expected to remain one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the NFL.
May 16, 2024
Could hold out of OTAs
Heyward (groin) plans to skip Steelers OTAs unless he receives a contract extension, Joe Rutter of TribLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward is on track to earn $16 million in 2024, but he has no such assurances for after the upcoming season. He's coming off a down year in which he recorded just 2.0 sacks in 11 games, but he'll still probably be a plus starter for Pittsburgh in 2024 if he doesn't continue to hold out for a new contract.
Mar 25, 2024
Should be 100 percent by camp
Coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that he expects Heyward (groin) to be a full participant in offseason activities by the start of training camp, Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward is currently recovering from a cleanup procedure undergone to address a groin/core injury, but Tomlin said he's "not anticipating it to be a factor by the time we get to training camp." The veteran defensive end managed to finish 2023 with 33 tackles (25 solo), two sacks and one pass breakup in 11 games despite playing through a core muscle injury for much of the season, so he could bounce back in 2024 if simply healthier. Heyward tallied a combined 20.5 sacks across his previous two seasons.
Feb 21, 2024
Recovering from surgery
Heyward (groin) underwent a clean up surgery to address a groin/core muscle injury Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward missed six consecutive games due to a groin injury in 2023, but he was able to return to action Week 9 and played the rest of Pittsburgh's slate. However, it seems like the veteran pass rusher was hampered by injury even while back in the lineup, as he finished with just 2.0 sacks across 11 appearances, after having previously logged back-to-back seasons with at least 10.0 sacks. He could be more effective when back to full health in 2024, the final season of his four-year deal with the Steelers.
Dec 21, 2023
Exits protocols
Heyward was cleared by an independent neurologist Thursday and is no longer in the league's concussion protocols, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward suffered a concussion in Saturday's loss to the Colts, but he won't be forced to miss any time after making it through the league's five-step process in just a few days. He should be good to go against the Bengals in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2023
Starts week limited
Heyward (concussion) was listed as a limited participant on Tuesday's injury report, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was placed in concussion protocols following a Week 15 loss to the Colts, so it appears the veteran defensive lineman may be making a quick recovery. However, he still has multiple hurdles to clear before getting approval to suit up Saturday against the Bengals. If Heyward can ramp up his practice activity as the week progresses and get clearance from an independent neurologist to play, he'll be able to suit up Week 16.
Dec 16, 2023
Placed in concussion protocol
Heyward was placed in concussion protocol following Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Colts, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's unclear when the issue may occurred, as Heyward was on the field deep into the fourth quarter. He tallied a total of five tackles and one tackle for a loss, though his status for a Week 16 matchup against the Bengals is now in question.
Dec 8, 2023
Secures sack in loss
Heyward recorded six tackles (five solo), including a sack, in Thursday's 21-18 loss to New England.
ANALYSIS
Heyward matched his season-high in tackles while also getting to quarterback Bailey Zappe, sacking him in the third quarter. The defensive end has compiled 25 tackles, including two sacks, over the seven games he's appeared in this season.
Nov 15, 2023
Still dealing with injury
Heyward (groin) did not participate during practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward missed six games in a row due to a groin issue before returning for the last two games. However, he was still considered questionable heading into Sunday's 23-19 win against Green Bay, in which he played a season-high 37 defensive snaps. It appears the 34-year-old is still dealing with this groin injury, and he'll now have two more practices to increase his activity level before this Sunday's division matchup against the Browns.
Nov 10, 2023
Good to go vs. Packers
Heyward (groin) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game versus Green Bay, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward will suit up for his third game of the season in Week 10. His presence will make life significantly more difficult for Jordan Love and the Packers' passing offense come Sunday.
Nov 9, 2023
Downgraded to DNP Thursday
Heyward (groin) was downgraded to DNP Thursday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was limited Wednesday after returning from his six-week absence with the groin injury in Week 9. Heyward isn't someone who needs to practice much in order to play Sunday, but he has two more days to get ready for the Packers.
Nov 8, 2023
Limited Wednesday
Heyward (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Heyward missed six games on injured reserve with a groin injury and returned in Week 9 against the Titans, playing 55 percent of the defensive snaps and recording six tackles (four solo) and one tackle for loss. He should continue to see fuller workloads moving forward as long as he avoids any setbacks.
Nov 1, 2023
Taken off IR
The Steelers activated Heyward (groin) from the reserve/injured list Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward sustained the groin injury in Week 1 against the 49ers and was placed on IR after undergoing surgery. Given his activation, it seems like Heyward is trending towards being available for Thursday's game against the Titans. He'll provide valuable depth on the pass rush alongside T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Larry Ogunjobi and DeMarvin Leal.
Oct 26, 2023
Returning to practice
Heyward (groin) returned to practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward, who suffered a groin injury during Week 1 action, remains on IR, and the Steelers now have a 21-day window in which to either activate the defensive lineman to their 53-man roster, or leave him on IR for the remainder of the campaign. In 17 games last season, Heyward made his mark as an IDP by recording 74 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
Sep 14, 2023
Officially placed on IR
The Steelers placed Heyward (groin) on injured reserve Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward needs groin surgery after going down in Week 1. He'll be required to miss a minimum of four games, but it has already been reported that Heyward is likely to miss around eight weeks. We might not see him again until around Thanksgiving. It's obviously a crushing loss to the middle of Pittsburgh's interior defense and pass rush.
Sep 14, 2023
Will have surgery
Heyward will undergo surgery Thursday to repair the groin injury he suffered in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward is expected to miss eight weeks, which would have him back on the field Nov. 12 for a tilt with the Packers. The Ohio State product has yet to be placed on injured reserve, but that would be a likely move for the Steelers. As a six-time Pro Bowler and the team's co-defensive captain, his impact will be missed on the field, and the team will likely turn to DeMarvin Leal (elbow) and Larry Ogunjobi to help replace his production.
Sep 12, 2023
Injury requires surgery
Heyward will need surgery to repair the groin injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, Alan Saunders of PittsburghSportsNow.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was expected to miss multiple weeks due to the injury, and the news of his surgery will confirm those expectations. Saunders notes in a separate tweet that a timeline for Heyward's return won't be available until after surgery, but he could still return this season. Although not certain, it's likely the veteran defensive end will be placed on IR.
Sep 11, 2023
Multi-week absence expected
Heyward will miss multiple weeks due to the groin injury suffered in Sunday's 30-7 loss to the 49ers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward exited the game in the first quarter and attempted to return, but he ultimately hobbled back off the field and remained sidelined for the rest of the contest. The veteran's potential several-week absence, including a possible stint on IR, is a significant blow to the Steelers' defense. Although the specifics of the injury are still unknown, Garafolo notes that the veteran may need surgery to repair it.
Sep 10, 2023
Returns then exits
Heyward (groin) attempted to return against the 49ers on Sunday but then exited again, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward tried to return but ultimately hobbled off the field after being unable to go at full speed. Although he may try to return in the second half, considering the results of his initial attempt to enter the game again, it's likely the veteran is done for the day.
Sep 10, 2023
Exits game with injury
Heyward is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers with a groin injury, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward got up slowly after a play in the first quarter. He returned to the game for a few plays before returning to the sidelines and eventually headed to the locker room. With Armon Watts (coach's decision) inactive, Larry Ogunjobi and DeMarvin Leal will are set for an elevated snap count if Heyward doesn't return.
Sep 8, 2023
Avoids injury designation
Heyward (stomach) wasn't listed on Pittsburgh's injury report Friday ahead of Sunday's game versus San Francisco, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After being limited at practice Wednesday and missing practice entirely Thursday, Heyward will go into Pittsburgh's game in Week 1 healthy. He'll look to post his third consecutive double-digit sack season in 2023.
Sep 7, 2023
Misses practice with stomach issue
Heyward (stomach) did not participate at practice Thursday after logging a limited practice Wednesday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Pittsburgh's injury report would suggest that the three-time All-Pro is merely suffering from a stomach bug, but nevertheless, his status for the Steelers' date versus San Francisco in Week 1 remains up in the air. Should Heyward miss time, it would likely result in more snaps for 23-year-old DeMarvin Leal.
Sep 6, 2023
Limited practice Wednesday
Heyward (undisclosed) was a limited participant at the Steelers' practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was dealing with a not-injury-related issue, limiting his participation Wednesday. There's no reason to believe at this point that the defensive lineman is in any danger of missing Sunday's regular season opener versus the 49ers.
Aug 24, 2023
Dealing with minor injury
Heyward was unavailable for Thursday's preseason finale against the Falcons due to an undisclosed injury, Alan Saunders of PittsburghSportsNow.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Mike Tomlin didn't disclose the nature of the injury, but he did say that the issue is minor and Heyward is considered day-to-day. For now, there shouldn't be any concern about his status heading into a Week 1 matchup against the 49ers.
Jan 11, 2023
Productive to close out season
Heyward racked up 74 tackles (39 solo), including 10.5 sacks, along with four pass defenses, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 17 appearances in 2022.
ANALYSIS
Heyward appeared in every game for the fourth time in the last five seasons and posted the second-highest sack total of his career during his age-33 season. He tallied 5.5 sacks over the final four weeks of the season and logged a season-high eight tackles during the Steelers' Week 18 win over Cleveland. He has a significant cap hit over the final two years of his contract with the Steelers, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him remain with the team given how productive he's been over the last several seasons.
Dec 27, 2022
Posts multiple sacks
Heyward notched seven tackles (four solo), two sacks and a pass defensed in Saturday's 13-10 win over the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Heyward now has 3.5 sacks in his last two efforts, which brings him to 8.5 on the season, and within reaching distance of his third double-digit sack total of his career. He'll have a chance to reach that milestone Sunday against the Ravens.
Dec 5, 2022
Records sack against Atlanta
Heyward tallied four tackles (two solo), including a sack, along with a pass defense during the Steelers' 19-16 win over Atlanta on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was limited to just one solo tackle during last week's win over Indianapolis, but he was slightly more effective against the Falcons while logging a sack for the second time in the last three games. He now has 46 tackles (26 solo), including five sacks, along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two pass defenses over 12 appearances this year.
Nov 21, 2022
Effective against Bengals
Heyward recorded seven tackles (four solo), including a sack, during the Steelers' 37-30 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward has been somewhat inconsistent in the tackling department this season, but he matched his highest total of the season Sunday while recording his third sack in the last five games. The 33-year-old now has 41 tackles (24 solo), including four sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defense over the first 10 games of the year.
Oct 19, 2022
Records sack in win
Heyward logged three tackles (two solo), including a sack, during the Steelers' 20-18 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Although Heyward's tackle count remained relatively low during Sunday's Week 6 win, he was one of two Steelers to record a sack. Over his first six appearances this season, he's racked up 24 tackles (12 solo), including two sacks, along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defense.
Oct 7, 2022
Good to go for Week 5
Heyward doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Bills, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward logged back-to-back limited practices Wednesday and Thursday after suffering elbow and ankle injuries during the team's Week 4 loss to the Jets. However, he was upgraded to a full participant Friday and will be good to go for Sunday's contest. Across four appearances, the veteran defensive end has recorded 16 tackles, one sack and one pass defense.
Oct 5, 2022
Limited Wednesday
Heyward (elbow/ankle) was limited during Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward picked up the elbow and ankle injuries during the team's Week 4 loss to the Jets, but it's an encouraging sign that the veteran defensive end was able to at least log a limited session Wednesday. He'll have two more practices to upgrade to a full participant before the team needs to make a decision on his status for Week 5.
Oct 2, 2022
Gets banged up
Heyward suffered elbow and ankle injuries in Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Jets, according to head coach Mike Tomlin, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The significance of Heyward's injuries are still unknown, but he did appear to play through the ailments during Sunday's game, where he recorded three tackles. Updates on his status for Week 5 against the Bills will likely be coming throughout the upcoming week.
Aug 22, 2022
Practicing again
Heyward (foot) was back at practice Monday, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward left practice early last Thursday, but according to Halicke's report, Heyward says it was only for precautionary purposes. That's good news for the Steelers, as the veteran pass rusher is certainly an important piece of their defensive line.
Aug 18, 2022
Leaves practice early
Heyward exited Thursday's training camp session premature with an apparent left foot/ankle injury, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Once Thursday's practice concluded, the veteran pass rusher came back out to engage with fans which could indicate the issue isn't too serious. Heyward's injury will be something worth monitoring over the next few days, which also puts his status for Saturday's preseason game against the Jaguars in question. The veteran pass rusher is slated to reclaim a starting role on the defensive line this upcoming season after earning First-team All-Pro honors in 2021.
Jan 10, 2022
Productive in OT win
Heyward racked up six solo tackles and a sack in Sunday's 16-13 OT win over the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Heyward tied for the team lead in tackles during Sunday's regular-season finale. The 32-year-old also recorded at least half a sack in six of the last seven games in the regular season. He appeared in every game this year and had a career-high 89 tackles (54 solo) along with 10 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and nine pass defenses.
Nov 29, 2021
Records sack in loss
Heyward logged eight tackles (two solo) and a sack in Sunday's 41-10 loss to the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had recorded just two sacks across the first six games of the season, but he now has 3.5 sacks across his last five appearances. During that time, the 32-year-old has totaled 21 tackles (12 solo), 3.5 sacks, two pass defenses and an interception.
Nov 17, 2021
Two sacks against Detroit
Heyward registered five tackles (three solo) and two sacks during Sunday's 16-16 tie with the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Heyward came into the contest with 2.5 sacks through eight appearances, but he nearly doubled that production Sunday. The veteran defensive end has produced steady tackling numbers this season, but his fantasy value is directly correlated to his sack production.
Nov 10, 2021
Logs full practice Wednesday
Heyward (ankle) was able to practice fully for the Steelers on Wednesday, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward suffered an ankle injury during the Steelers' victory over the Bears on Monday night of Week 9. The injury isn't considered serious and the defensive end should be able to return to the field for the Steelers matchup with the Lions in Week 10. Expect Isaiahh Loudermilk to see an increased role if Heyward suffers any setbacks.
Nov 9, 2021
Suffers injury Monday
Heyward (ankle) was injured in the Steelers' win over the Bears on Monday, Teresa Varley reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward's injury is not considered serious and was categorized as minor bumps and bruises by head coach Mike Tomlin. Heyward will try to return to the field later this week.
Oct 18, 2021
Racks up nine tackles
Heyward recorded nine tackles (six solo) and one sack in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Heyward played 89 percent of the Steelers' defensive snaps and recorded a season-high nine tackles in the overtime victory. Heading into Pittsburgh's Week 7 bye, the 32-year-old has totaled 36 tackles (20 solo), two sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five pass defenses.
Sep 12, 2021
Records sack against Bills
Heyward totaled four tackles (two solo), a sack, two pass defenses, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in Sunday's 23-16 win over the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Heyward recorded only four sacks across 15 appearances in 2020, but he got off to a strong start by getting to quarterback Josh Allen midway through the second quarter Sunday. The 32-year-old will serve as a clear starter on Pittsburgh's defensive line during the 2021 campaign, and he began the year with a well-rounded performance against Buffalo.
Feb 22, 2021
Agrees to restructure contract
Heyward and the Steelers have reached an agreement to restructure his contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a typical restructure, mostly converting base salary to a signing bonus. The move adds about $7 million in 2021 cap space for the Steelers, and it all but ensures Heyward will stay with the team for another season. The 31-year-old defensive end recorded only four sacks in 2020, but he made his presence felt with 54 tackles and 19 QB hits, earning a Pro Bowl nod for the fourth straight year.
Dec 31, 2020
Will rest Week 17
Heyward will sit out Sunday's game against the Browns, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
The Steelers are already locked into a wild-card playoff berth, so the team has little incentive to risk Heyward's health against the Browns. Instead, the veteran defensive end will get an opportunity to rest as he prepares for the postseason.
Dec 28, 2020
Notches fourth sack
Heyward made five tackles (two solo) and a sack in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Colts.
ANALYSIS
After three straight seasons with more than eight sacks, Heyward producing just four sacks thus far is disappointing. The veteran defensive end has also added 54 tackles (30 solo) and three pass breakups through 15 games.
Dec 22, 2020
Ties for team lead in tackles
Heyward had seven tackles (three solo) during Monday's 27-17 loss to the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
The 31-year-old tied for the team lead in tackles but went without a sack for the third straight contest. Heyward has only three sacks through 14 games in 2020, which would be his lowest sack total for a full season since 2012.
Dec 3, 2020
Notches Wednesday afternoon sack
Heyward registered two tackles and one sack during Wednesday's 19-14 win against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Heyward reached Robert Griffin for a first-quarter sack, pushing his total to three in that department over 11 appearances on the season. The reigning All-Pro has only converted 20 percent of his QB sacks into hits thus far in 2020, a substantial decrease from the 46 percent rate he established over 47 appearances between 2017 and 2019. Even without the 31-year-old produces gaudy sack numbers, the undefeated Steelers are still allowing a league-low 17.1 points per game.
Nov 4, 2020
Practices in full Wednesday
Heyward (quadriceps) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward's full participation lends credence to the previous report that the quadriceps injury he sustained in last week's win over the Ravens was minor. He should be out there Sunday against the Cowboys.
Nov 2, 2020
Picks up minor quad injury
Heyward sustained a minor quadriceps injury during Sunday's win over the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The 31-year-old sustained the injury during the fourth quarter and ended up setting a season high in defensive snap count (75) and snap share (91 percent). Heyward may be limited at practice this week, but he should still have a chance to play Week 9 since it doesn't appear to be a serious issue.
Oct 19, 2020
Doubles up 2020 tackle count
Heyward posted eight tackles -- one for a loss -- and a QB hit in Sunday's 38-7 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Heyward entered the game with eight tackles through four games, and he tacked on another eight stops Sunday with a team high in the category. The veteran defensive end's sack numbers aren't up to par, as he has just 1.5 thus far after posting at least eight sacks in each of the previous three seasons. It'll be tough for him to get back on track in a Week 6 matchup against the Titans, as Ryan Tannehill has been sacked on just 2.81 percent of dropbacks -- third in the league.
Sep 15, 2020
First career interception
Heyward recorded one tackle (solo) and an interception in Monday night's 26-16 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
The defense, which recorded 20 interceptions -- second only to the Patriots (25) in 2019 -- had two picks Monday, including the first of Heyward's career. Pittsburgh had no turnovers in a 24-17 loss in their last game against Week 2 opponent Denver.