Steelers notes: Cam Heyward practices … does 'hold in' persist?

Asked about his longtime defensive captain being in uniform and participating in stretches and individual drills while at practice Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin volunteered another nugget about Cam Heyward.

“He also participated in team work, as well,” Tomlin said, referring to team drills.

It has been since the first week of training camp that Heyward took part in team drills during a practice. Heyward last week confirmed that was because he is seeking a sweetened contract.

Unlike training camp practices at Saint Vincent, media is prohibited from reporting on what goes on during team drills periods at practice. The word that Heyward was a participant in team drills is Tomlin’s.

But if Heyward indeed was a participant in team drills at practice, that would represent a change in status regarding Heyward’s “hold in,” no?

“You’d have to ask him,” Tomlin said.

When a reporter attempted to do so in the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex’s locker room, Heyward declined to take questions, citing a need for attention from the training staff.

An AP NFL All-Pro last season, Heyward was paid a $13.45 million roster bonus in March and is set to earn prorated portions of $1.3 million each week during this regular season.

Highsmith, others return

Tomlin confirmed that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, receiver Calvin Austin III, rookie cornerback Dante Kent “and others” participated to practice. Highsmith (groin), Austin (abdomen) and Kent (foot/ankle) have missed both of the Steelers preseason games in addition to a few weeks of practice time.

No confirmation

Tomlin would not confirm reports that veteran free-agent wide receiver Gabe Davis was a guest of the Steelers on Tuesday.

“I have no idea,” Tomlin said. “I have no idea.”

Davis, a five-year NFL veteran of 74 games, 183 receptions and 29 touchdowns, was hosted by the Steelers over the summer. ESPN reported the 26-year-old was to be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.