Cam Heyward skipped his scheduled media availability session Thursday morning. His defensive coordinator doesn’t plan on Heyward skipping the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season opener Sunday against the New York Jets.
Heyward continues to be silent regarding his playing status for the opener because of his desire for a new contract.
Teryl Austin offered little insight Thursday other than to say he believes the four-time, first-team All-Pro defensive tackle will be on the field Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
“Absolutely,” Austin said. “He’s been practicing, so I’m anticipating him playing.”
Two days earlier, Heyward cryptically said “we’ll see,” when he was asked on his podcast whether he intends to play.
“And that’s what he says,” Austin responded. “I just know what I see. He’s out there practicing, so I’m anticipating him playing.”
Austin said Heyward has been taking the same amount of practice reps as in previous years when the Steelers prepared to open the season.
Heyward conducted a “hold-in” and didn’t participate in team portions of practice for much of training camp. He increased his participation once the Steelers returned to UPMC Rooney Sports Complex several weeks ago.
Heyward did not play in the preseason, but coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he also expects the Steelers’ longest-tenured player, one who was voted a team captain for the 11th consecutive season, to play against the Jets.
“My job is to get him in and out of Latrobe, and I’ve done my job,” Tomlin said. “There are no reservations about his participation or readiness.”
Heyward historically has met with the media on Thursday mornings of practice weeks. A team public relations member said Heyward would not be speaking Thursday but that Friday remained a possibility.