PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As much as it seems like we are trying to figure out what the NFL is doing with COVID-19, so if the Steelers union player rep.
Cam Heyward saying on Thursday morning information is changing every day. He talked to the union heads as much as he can to keep his guys informed. Heyward said there aren't a lot of players getting tested, if they do test positive, it becomes a domino effect.
"Definitely," Heyward said when asked if he's worried about the changing protocols & positive tests. "You have to be concerned when you go from every week testing to random testing. Have to keep a tracer on you. There's a lot of unknown with this. We don't know what we are dealing with."
The confusion, as it is for many industries and businesses, is real. What does he tell Steelers players?
"Be ready for the unpredictable," Heyward said. "Last year we got some unfortunate news where we lost guys we needed at certain times. Hopefully this year we are more prepared. You got to stay light on your feet. Everyone thought we would be in a better position, but COVID doesn't apply to our rules. We have to be able to adjust on the fly."
It's a universal refrain in dealing with the coronavirus as Heyward added 'I don't know if I signed up for this, but I will be ready'.
Wormley groin
A career-high with six sacks this season, the availability of defensive lineman Chris Wormley is very much in doubt. Wormley injured his groin Sunday and missed practice on Wednesday. Already down Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu, who would fill Wormley's role?
"Isaiahh Loudermilk," Heyward said. "I'm looking for him to take the next step if that comes about. It's going to be a group effort but Isaiahh is going to have to play big for us."
Heyward says he likes what the rookie fifth-round pick from Wisconsin has done, but has high expectations. He's played in 12 games with a sack, 15 tackles and two passes defended.
Pro Bowl
For the fifth time in his career and fourth consecutive season, Heyward named to the Pro Bowl team. He's tops in the NFL in tackles, solo tackles and passes defended among defensive tackles and second in tackles for loss.
"It's awesome to be recognized," Heyward said. "I worked my tail off. I remember years ago when it was hard to get in. I always wanted to be a Pro Bowler."
"It's only a chapter in the book. It's not something I can hang my hat on & say the season is done. There is a lot more to be accomplished & hopefully I'm still writing the story."
