Cam Heyward Misses Steelers Practice Ahead of Jets Game amid Contract Rumors

All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Heyward didn't suit up for Pittsburgh Steelers practice Thursday after he was given a veteran rest day ahead of their season-opening game against the New York Jets on Sunday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Heyward was not in uniform and "didn't appear to practice." ESPN's Brooke Pryor noted that Heyward did practice on Wednesday.

Last month, Schefter reported that Heyward was seeking a reworked contract that would put him more in line with some of the big defensive contracts handed out by other teams during the offseason.

Heyward, 36, signed a two-year, $29 million contract extension last year, and he currently has two years left on his deal, and is scheduled to make $14.75 million this season.

Per Schefter, as of last month, Heyward was set to be the 36th-highest-paid defensive lineman and 18th-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL this season despite being a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro.

Following Schefter's initial report regarding Heyward's desire for a new contract, he became a hold-in and indicated to reporters that it was possible the dispute could cause him to miss regular-season games, saying, "There are definitely options out there that could reflect that."

Despite Heyward having limited participation throughout training camp, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that he expects Heyward to play against the Jets in Week 1.

Originally a first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2011, Heyward has been among the most versatile and productive defensive linemen in the NFL throughout his 14-year career with the Steelers.

He missed six games due to injury in 2023, which broke his streak of six straight Pro Bowls, but Heyward bounced back in a big way last season.

Starting all 17 games, Heyward finished with 71 tackles, eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits and 11 passes defended en route to Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors.

Despite that, the Steelers addressed the defensive tackle position in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, selecting Oregon's Derrick Harmon 21st overall.

However, Harmon will not play in Week 1 against the Jets due to an MCL sprain suffered during the preseason.

That makes Heyward's presence even more important for Week 1, as the Steelers would have to play multiple backups without Heyward and Harmon, such as rookie fifth-round pick Yahya Black and fifth-year veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk.