Cameron Heyward returns to practice for Steelers

Cameron Heyward is back on the practice field for the Pittsburgh Steelers, meaning his return to the active roster should come within the next three weeks.

Heyward, who had surgery to repair a groin tear after the season opener, remains on injured reserve, but he began practicing Thursday for the Steelers.

“I’d been pressing,” Heyward said after Thursday’s practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “There’s been MRI’s. I’ve had to see more of where my progress is at. And I got some good news this morning. Had a good 45-minute MRI this morning and then popped right over (for practice).”

The Steelers have 21 days in which to activate their 34-year-old defensive captain or he must spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.

The game Sunday against Jacksonville begins a stretch of three consecutive home games for the Steelers, who also host the Tennessee Titans four days later and then face the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 11. Heyward must be added to the 53-man roster in time for the Nov. 19 game at the Cleveland Browns.

Asked when he was targeting for a return to game action, Heyward said “that’s above my pay grade.”

“I’m sure someone’s got planned out for me,” he added, “but I hope to beat that window.”

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Heyward, a three-time All-Pro defensive tackle, sustained his groin injury in the season-opening 30-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It was the second significant injury of his 13-year career with the Steelers. He missed the second half of the 2016 season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Younger players DeMarvin Leal and rookie Keeanu Benton have received more playing time in Heyward’s stead, as have veterans Montravius Adams and Armon Watts.

On the official league-mandated injury report, Heyward was listed as a limited participant at Thursday’s practice.

“Taking it day by day and not rushing the process,” Heyward said. “The healing is taking effect. But I’ve got to get reps under my belt. I’ve got to get more comfortable in what I’m doing, trust myself, trust my body, and see where we are at.”