Steelers Activate DL Cam Heyward from IR for Matchup vs. Titans
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a captain and crucial piece of their defensive line back just in time for a tough matchup against running back Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans.
The team activated defensive tackle Cameron Heyward to the 53-man roster from the injured reserve list on Wednesday. He was not given an injury designation for Thursday night — meaning he will be active and play against the Titans.
Heyward has been out since sustaining a groin injury early in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 34-year-old had surgery days after the September injury and was expected to return in about eight weeks. His return comes about seven weeks after the surgery.
“I trust what they’re doing, and I know my body, and I know I’m up there in age, but I feel like I progressed pretty well,” Heyward said last week.
Without Heyward, the Steelers run defense has been inconsistent. Though the group held Jaguars running back Travis Etienne to just 3.3 yards per carry, the Steelers are still giving up an average of 4.6 yards per carry, which ranks in the bottom-10 of the league.
The Titans, meanwhile, average 4.5 yards per carry, though they only have 811 rushing yards. Henry, though, is fifth in the NFL with 526 rushing yards.
“He’s a difference-maker,” teammate T.J. Watt said of Heyward. “He really is. He’s been doing it for a long time. A guy that’s played in this matchup more than a few times himself, and anytime you can plug in a player like him, it’s going to make a difference, no matter what.”
Heyward’s injury occurred when he tried to sack quarterback Brock Purdy in the first half of the Week 1 loss. He knew the injury was serious and tried to play through the pain, but he realized pretty quickly that wouldn’t be possible.
“I fell on my legs kind of weird, and it split,” Heyward said. “I didn’t know what happened at first, but I couldn’t move like I wanted to. I ripped the adductor, and I was already dealing with the core muscle injury. Both played a part, and it just happens in the game you play. I’m not running away from it.”
Heading into their matchup against the Titans, the Steelers are thrilled to have Heyward back on the field. As a captain and leader on defense, his presence will undoubtedly boost the team’s morale and performance.
Heyward’s return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Steelers have struggled to stop the run without him. While they were able to contain Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, their overall run defense has been lackluster, allowing an average of 4.6 yards per carry.
The Titans, on the other hand, have a strong rushing attack led by Derrick Henry. Despite having only 811 rushing yards as a team, Henry himself has accumulated 526 rushing yards this season, ranking him fifth in the NFL. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact makes him a formidable opponent.
Teammate T.J. Watt recognizes Heyward’s impact on the game and is excited to have him back on the field. Heyward’s experience and skill set make him a difference-maker for the Steelers’ defense.
Heyward’s road to recovery hasn’t been easy. After undergoing surgery for his groin injury, he had to go through a lengthy rehabilitation process. However, he remained positive and trusted the team’s medical staff to guide him through the recovery.
“I’m not rushing the process,” Heyward said after his first practice. “The healing, it’s taking effect, but I got to get reps under my belt. I’ve got to get more comfortable in what I’m doing. Trust myself, trust my body.”
The Steelers opened Heyward’s 21-day practice window on October 26, allowing him to gradually ease back into the team’s training sessions. This approach ensured that Heyward had enough time to regain his strength and confidence before returning to game action.
With Heyward’s return, the Steelers hope to improve their run defense and contain Henry and the Titans’ rushing attack. Heyward’s presence in the trenches will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s ability to stop the run and disrupt opposing offenses.
As the Steelers prepare for their matchup against the Titans, they can rest assured knowing that they have one of their key defensive players back on the field. Heyward’s leadership and playmaking abilities will be instrumental in their quest for victory.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers have activated Cameron Heyward from the injured reserve list just in time for their matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Heyward’s return is a significant boost for the team’s defense, especially against a strong rushing attack led by Derrick Henry. The Steelers’ run defense has struggled without Heyward, but his presence on the field is expected to make a difference. Heyward’s recovery process has been challenging, but he remained positive and trusted the team’s medical staff. Now, he is ready to contribute and help his team secure a win against the Titans.