Cameron Heyward
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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward didn't practice Thursday, but The Athletic's Mike DeFabo reported Heyward "took a vet day."
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward didn’t practice Thursday. Schefter implied with his post on X that Heyward’s practice absence was noteworthy because of his desire for a new contract this summer.
Steelers team captain Cam Heyward, who has wanted his contract adjusted this summer, was not in uniform today with the rest of the team and didn’t appear to practice. https://t.co/h7SZMAOUCI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2025
But Heyward not practicing was only been half the story Thursday. The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported Heyward “took a vet day.”
Phrased another way, Heyward had a planned day off.
Steelers OLB Nick Herbig (hamstring) was limited for the second consecutive day.
Cam Heyward took a vet day. Derrick Harmon still hasn’t practiced since his knee injury.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 4, 2025
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor confirmed Heyward didn’t practice Thursday because of rest. Pryor also reported Heyward practiced Wednesday.
Heyward’s practice habits have been under a microscope in recent weeks since the defensive lineman was a hold-in during training camp and part of the preseason. The 36-year-old explained to reporters on August 11 that he was seeking a pay raise with a new contract.
“When I look around, at my position, I’m like 22nd as a D-tackle, I’m 36th as a D-lineman,” Heyward said, via The Pittsburgh Tribune Review’s Chris Adamaski. “I know what I bring to this team and what I’m capable of on and off the field.
“It’s hard for me, after the year that I had, to really justify playing at the number I’m playing at.”
Heyward didn’t rule out missing regular season games to try and land a new contract.
That could have been why Schefter insinuated Heyward not practicing Thursday was related to his contract.
Cameron Heyward Delivers Mixed Message on Week 1 Playing Status
Steelers fans can be upset at Schefter for suggesting Heyward missed Thursday’s practice due to reasons related to his contract. But the fact remains Heyward hasn’t helped the drama surrounding his contract situation.
On the most recent episode of his “Not Just Football” podcast on Tuesday, Heyward declined to fully answer whether he would play in the season opener Sunday.
“We’ll see,” said Heyward.
Schefter’s social media post continued the drama around Heyward, but it’s self-created drama that was likely made with a purpose.
The longer the defensive lineman holds out the possibility of not playing, the better chance he has of landing a new deal from the Steelers.
However, the chances of Heyward getting a new contract from the Steelers before the 2025 regular season opens Sunday is probably slim regardless. Like many teams, the Steelers have a strict policy of not negotiating new contracts when players have two years remaining on their current deals.
Heyward signed a contract extension last year. He is signed through the 2026 season.
Mike Tomlin Says Heyward Will Play in Week 1
While Heyward appears to still be playing games, Mike Tomlin isn’t. The Steelers head coach made it clear to reporters Tuesday that the All-Pro will dress Sunday against the New York Jets.
“I’m certainly expecting Cam [Heyward] to play,” Tomlin told reporters. “There are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit.”
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin delivered a similar message to the media Thursday. Ironically, Austin told reporters Heyward should play because he’s been practicing.
Steelers DC Teryl Austin on Cam Heyward: "He's out there practice, so I'm anticipating him playing."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 4, 2025
Should Heyward not play in Week 1, that would be a tremendous blow to the Steelers defense. Heyward was arguably the team’s top defensive player last season, and the team will already be missing first-round rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.
He could return for Week 2, but Harmon hasn’t practiced since suffering a knee injury on August 21.
As of Thursday, though, it would be a tremendous surprise if Heyward doesn’t play in Week 1.