Less than a week after being cleared to return to practice, former All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward perhaps will be activated to return to game action for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heyward has been on the injured reserve list since undergoing surgery to address a groin injury that knocked him out of the Steelers’ Sept. 10 season opener. After the minimum four games missed, per IR rules, Heyward’s return to practice last Thursday opened a 21-day window in which he must be activated or lost for the season.
Heyward was limited in his first practice back Thursday but was a full participant Friday, per the league-mandated injury report.
“Cam will be a consideration this week,” coach Mike Tomlin said Monday during his weekly news conference.
The Steelers have a short week of preparation in advance of hosting the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
Their next game is Nov. 12 at home against the Green Bay Packers. Heyward must be activated by Nov. 16.
Tomlin also said reserve running back Anthony McFarland “will be a consideration this week.” McFarland also has been on IR since Week 1 because of a knee injury. McFarland returned to practice Oct. 16, so his 21-day clock expires Nov. 6. McFarland has been listed as a full practice participant for every session since he was cleared to participate.
Homecoming for Edmunds
Seven-plus months since departing the Steelers via free agency and 10 days after a trade to the Titans, Terrell Edmunds will face the Steelers for the first time Thursday. A safety taken with the Steelers’ No. 28 overall pick in 2018, Edmunds spent five seasons with the Steelers. He started 75 of the 79 games he appeared in for the Steelers.
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“It’s going to be different,” Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said of facing Edmunds. “I am excited to see him. He’s one of my favorite teammates over the past few years since I was here. It’s going to be bittersweet seeing him. That’s my dog. I can’t wait to see him. It’s going to be fun going against him.”
Edmunds was part of the package the Eagles sent in return for former All-Pro safety Kevin Bayard. In his debut for the Titans on Sunday, Edmunds played 25% of Tennessee’s 68 defensive snaps in addition to eight snaps on special teams.
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