Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers got back to work on the practice field, and there were a lot of promising injury updates. Last week, All-Pro defensive tackle, Cam Heyward limped to the sideline during the "7 shots" drill in training camp with a left ankle injury, therefore missing the last preseason game this past Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Today however, the team received some great news.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) sits on the bench with ice on his left ankle after it was rolled up on in the third play of the 7 shots drill during practice Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Chaz Palla / Tribune-Review
Per Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Heyward is back. He just may see a few reps next Sunday as the Steelers prepare for their last preseason game of the year against the Detroit Lions.
Cam Heyward (ankle) said he was back at practice
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 22, 2022
Heyward's presence has surely been missed as signs of last season's abysmal run defense has shown its ugly head once again already in 2022. Against Jacksonville, the Steelers gave up 97 yards rushing, but a week prior to the Seattle Seahawks, it was 185. With defensive tackle, Tyson Alualu back and looking healthy as ever, along with newly signed defensive lineman, Larry Ogunjobi, Steeler Nation is hoping these early signs of trouble are just outliers for the regular season. This defensive front is primed to be one of the most elite groups in the entire league, and we should see a significant improvement from what we saw last season.
In other news, Steelers fourth round rookie wide receiver, Calvin Austin III sounds like he's ready to return as well. He was injured right before the Steelers' first preseason game of the year against the Seahawks and hasn't played in a preseason game yet in his young career. Per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette however, Austin is feeling "great."
Steelers rookie WR Calvin Austin III said the foot injury that kept him out of the first two preseason games "is feeling great, I'm just really waiting for Coach Tomlin's word" to get back on the field.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) August 22, 2022
Before seeing him in a boot last week, Austin was showcasing his well-known speed all throughout training camp. He'll look to contribute as the team's fourth or fifth receiver, and possibly on special teams in the return game.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) participates during training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Some other notable news includes outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith. Highsmith has been out for several weeks with a rib injury, but according to Adamski, he's confident he'll be ready to go for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Alex Highsmith still not practicing fully but expressed confidence he will be ready Week 1
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 22, 2022
Highsmith will look to have his best year yet as he'll once again be lined up opposite of the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year, TJ Watt. Highsmith finished the 2021 season with 6 sacks, 74 combined tackles, 15 TFL's, and 15 QB hits.
“I think I’ve taken a step up this year,” Highsmith said. “I’m just looking forward to continuing to grow, continuing to get better and continuing to learn our defense more.”
Are yinz excited to get these superstars back on the field for the Steelers? How big of an impact do you think these players specifically will have on the team in their return? Make sure to click to comment below!
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