First Call: Steelers' Cameron Heyward says Ben Roethlisberger can still get it done; Tom Brady getting a reality show?

In Wednesday’s “First Call,” Steelers captain Cameron Heyward is throwing his support behind quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Rick Tocchet may go to work for a former teammate. A rival quarterback will be back against the Steelers early in the 2021 season. We’ve got an update on former Pirate Jameson Taillon. And Tom Brady may be part of a television reality show.

Because, you know, we haven’t had enough of him already.

He’s still got it

Steelers defensive captain Cameron Heyward insists Ben Roethlisberger can still play quarterback in the NFL at a high level.

“Ben’s still got the goods. Anyone that tells you otherwise, they haven’t really looked at football,” Heyward said on the NFL Network Tuesday morning. “You give that guy a good running game and tell him he doesn’t have to throw the ball 50-60 times, he’s going to be that much more dangerous. We’re looking forward to that. It’s going to be pretty good, longevity-wise. If he wants to keep playing.”

Heyward also described Roethlisberger’s arm as still being “explosive” and capable of “throwing the ball all over the field.”

Maybe. But he may have to hold onto it longer than 2.2 seconds for us to see proof. We’ll find out if offensive coordinator Matt Canada has as much confidence in his quarterback as Heyward does. Or if Canada and Roethlisberger himself have enough confidence in the offensive line to block a little longer to allow that to happen.

Not only did Heyward hint at the impact rookie running back Najee Harris may have on Roethlisberger in that first quote. But he also went on to say that his presence could aid the defense as well. The theory being a more efficient run game will extend a few drives and give the defense more time to recuperate on the sidelines.

More TV for TB12?

Fox may be getting together with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady on a reality television show.

On Monday, CEO of Fox Entertainment Charlie Collier told Deadline.com that they “have an unscripted project with Tom Brady, yes, that Tom Brady.”

According to the New York Post, the show may involve “Love Is Blind” and “Married at First Sight” producer Kinetic Content, as well as Brady’s own “199 Productions.”

Who wants to bet this program results in Rob Gronkowski and/or Julian Edelman starring in some sort of “Bachelor” knockoff?

Burrow will be back

The Steelers have their first 2021 AFC North game in Week 3. It’s at Heinz Field against the Cincinnati Bengals.

And you can expect Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to be in uniform.

In fact, you can expect him back in Week 1. That’s according to Dr. Neal ElAttrache. He performed the surgery on Burrow’s injured knee. And he tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the second-year QB is “all systems go” for the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings Sept. 12.

Burrow underwent reconstructive left knee surgery in December after suffering a season-ending injury in Game 10 of his rookie season against Washington.

See you in Seattle?

Former Penguins player and assistant coach Rick Tocchet recently parted ways with the Arizona Coyotes as their head coach. But he may be in the running for a new gig already.

Word from Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff.com is that a former Pittsburgh teammate of Tocchet’s may want him on board. It’s Ron Francis, who is now general manager of the expansion Seattle Kraken.

Hearing #SeaKraken are planning to interview free agent coach Rick Tocchet. He would be first known candidate for Seattle head coach, one of 4 current #NHL openings.

Also hearing #SeaKraken have interviewed #Leafs director of pro scouting Troy Bodie for a front office position.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 18, 2021

Tocchet and Francis were Penguins teammates for three years, including the 1992 edition of the team that won the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. He has a 178-200-60 record as a head coach with Arizona and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Taillon in Texas

Former Pirate Jameson Taillon was looking for a bounce-back performance against the Texas Rangers Tuesday night.

And the Yankees right-hander didn’t really get it. In his last outing, Taillon saw his ERA rise to 5.40 by yielding four earned runs in 4⅔ innings against the Tampa Bay Rays during a 9-1 loss.

This time, Taillon exited the game after giving up four Rangers runs in 4⅓ innings. One of them was a home run from Texas second baseman Nick Solak.

Number 8 for @Nick_Solak on the season! #StraightUpTX | @STIHLUSA pic.twitter.com/8itN7AUqOK

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 19, 2021

Taillon’s ERA now sits at 5.73. He got a no decision in the result, a 7-4 Yankees win.