Since he reported to offseason workouts after missing the first two weeks of organized team activities, Cameron Heyward has awaited a contract extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the preseason in the rear-view mirror and the regular season looming in 10 days, the 35-year-old defensive tackle is still waiting.

“No news,” Heyward said Wednesday before the Steelers headed into a four-day break. “There is nothing to report.”

The Steelers cease contract negotiations once the regular season starts, and Heyward isn’t optimistic that he will get a new deal before the Sept. 8 opener in Atlanta.

“I don’t know what to expect,” said Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection. “I’m not going to get my hopes up each day. Hopefully, something gets done. I’m going to spend my time watching the Falcons.”

Entering the final year of his contract, Heyward will earn $16 million in base salary. His contract counts $22.4 million against the salary cap, the second-highest allotment on the team. If the Steelers extend Heyward’s contract another season, they could try to reduce that salary cap hit.

The Steelers are $15.5 million under the salary cap, according to the NFL players’ association figures. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is a candidate for an extension. The Steelers also could restructure contracts in an effort to add outside players, such as 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

“Through this process, it was brought to my attention (that the Steelers wanted to re-sign him),” Heyward said. “I just want to play. I want to be here. I want to have one helmet, but that is for them to decide.”

Once he reported to voluntary offseason workouts, Heyward was a regular participant in practices at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex and during training camp at Saint Vincent College. He elected not to take part in a “hold-in,” like Aiyuk has done in San Francisco.

“I needed to prove to everyone that I was healthy, especially with what happened last year,” said Heyward, who underwent offseason groin surgery. “I still want to win. As much as I want things to go right for me, I want things to go right for the Steelers. I want to be a contributor to this team and not a distraction.”

Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.