Steelers activate Cameron Heyward to active roster from injured reserve ahead of TNF vs Titans

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) have activated veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward from injured reserve to the active roster ahead of the Week 9 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans (3-4) on “Thursday Night Football.”

Heyward, who has been on injured reserve since tearing his abductor muscle in Week 1, was cleared to practice last Thursday and participated in full during Wednesday’s practice. Heyward said he felt good after returning to practice for the first time last week.

“It felt good. It’s been some weeks,” Heyward said last Thursday. “It’s been a while. I am excited to just get back out there, get in the flow of things. I still have more work to get done before I get back.

“Taking it day-by-day. I am not rushing the process. The healing is taking effect. But I have to get reps under my belt. I gotta feel more comfortable with what I am doing. Trust myself, trust my body. We’ll see where we are at.”

Heyward, in his 13th season with the Steelers, remains a highly-productive player, earning his sixth Pro Bowl nomination last season. He has compiled 78.5 sacks, 614 tackles (379 solo), 177 quarterback hits and eight forced fumbles in 184 games (149 starts).

“The conditioning has been great,” Heyward said. “I have been running every day. From walking, to going in the pool, to Arc trainer to the bike, there have been a multitude of things I have been trying to do. It’s only benefitting me.

“I am excited to keep asking for more. Checking things off the box and moving forward.”

Steelers excited to welcome back Cameron Heyward

The Steelers’ 30th ranked defense could certainly use Heyward, especially with Titans running back Derrick Henry just one sleep away. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt recently spoke of Heyward’s impact.

“He is a difference maker. He really is,” Watt said. “… Been doing it for a long time. A guy that has played in this matchup more than a few times. Anytime you can plug in a player like him, it’s going to make a difference no matter what.”