Steelers’ Cameron Heyward activated off injured reserve in advance of game vs. Titans

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their longtime defensive captain back.

Cameron Heyward was activated off of the injured reserve list Wednesday, clearing the way for the veteran defensive lineman to make his return to the active lineup for Thursday night’s home game against the Tennessee Titans.

Heyward has been on IR since being forced to leave the Steelers’ season opener as the result of a groin injury.

“He’s a difference maker. He really is,” defensive co-captain T.J. Watt said of Heyward. “He’s been doing it for a long time. A guy that has played in this matchup (against the Titans) more than a few times himself. Any time you can plug in a player like him, it’s going to make a difference no matter what.”

Heyward, a 13-year veteran and three-time AP NFL first-team All-Pro, aggravated an injury during the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He has missed the past six games, the first he had sat out because of injury since 2016.

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Without Heyward, the Steelers have fallen to 27th in the NFL in yards per play and yards per rushing attempt.

In his stead, younger players DeMarvin Leal and Keeanu Benton have played elevated roles on the defensive line next to regular starters Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams.

“We are all excited,” outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said of Heyward’s return. “It’s going to be huge for us on the field, but also overall leadership wise, having his presence around is going to be huge.”

Also, the league-mandated status report released Wednesday confirmed what quarterback Kenny Pickett said Tuesday: He will play against the Titans. Pickett suffered a rib injury during Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Safety Damontae Kazee (hand) was given the official green light to play against the Jaguars. But cornerback Levi Wallace was designated as questionable leading into the second consecutive game. Wallace missed Sunday’s game because of a foot injury.

Rookie Joey Porter Jr. started in his place and has been promoted to permanent starter ahead of Wallace.

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Without Wallace on Sunday, James Pierre played a more significant role as an extra cornerback.

Coach Mike Tomlin previously announced All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick would miss Thursday’s game because of a hamstring injury.

Reserve running back Anthony McFarland remains on IR. He must be activated next week in advance of a Nov. 12 home game against the Green Bay Packers, or he is lost for the season.

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