PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There was nothing mundane about Steelers practice on Thursday for Cam Heyward, his first back since before the opening game. The team now has a 21-day window to either activate their defensive captain or lose him for the season.
Heyward said he was excited to be back on the field with his teammates. He's taking it day-by-day and not rushing the process. He said he's pretty much healed, he just has to get more reps under his belt. He said he needs to trust himself and his body. He feels his conditioning is good, he's been doing a multitude of things to keep his cardio level high. He keeps pushing the team to do more.
How long until he returns? Does he have a target date in mind?
"That's above my pay grade," Heyward said. "I'm sure someone has it planned out for me, but I hope to beat that."
He said he was able to return to practice because of some good news after a 45-minute MRI Thursday morning. He said he trusts the doctors and while he's up there in age, he's progressed pretty well.
Heyward said he was going to make a sack early in the San Francisco game and ripped an abductor and he was already dealing with a core muscle injury. The veteran said his first missed time due to injury since 2016 is just part of the game. He said he knew it was bad because he couldn't finish the game, but didn't think he would have to land on injured reserve.
He said the defense hasn't been perfect, but they are competing and seeing progress every week. He's anxious to be a part of it, not as anxious likely as his family.
"I texted (my wife) and told her I was going to be able to practice," Heyward said. "'Good, your obsessive behavior with lasering every night has paid off'. I said 'oh sorry'. I guess since I've been injured I've been doing around the clock treatment trying to take care of my body. It's probably been getting annoying to an extent. Everybody is trying to walk on eggshells around me. I'm pretty sure my kids are going to be jumping all over me when I get home, since I practiced."
Warned to not get re-injured playing with his kids, Heyward said.
"My son does not care."
Cam Kindness Week
This is also what has become the annual week where Heyward visits different charities or initiatives every day, often multiple in the same day. Cam said the week got even better as he was able to practice, so far he has visited
· Children's Hospital-did a book reading and hosted a party
· '50-Yard Line' at Woodland Hills HS where he discussed social justice issues and how to manage a positive path through trying times
· Café Momentum-discussed breaking the cycle of incarceration and violence that people have dealt with
· The Caring Place-talked to kids about dealing with the grief of the loss of his father and helped lead a therapy project
· Craig's Closet Ribbon Cutting at Brashear HS-provides high school boys with free dress clothes for interviews, internships and more
