97 Cameron Heyward DT

Heyward and the Steelers have reached an agreement to restructure his contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

It's a typical restructure, mostly converting base salary to a signing bonus. The move adds about $7 million in 2021 cap space for the Steelers, and it all but ensures Heyward will stay with the team for another season. The 31-year-old defensive end recorded only four sacks in 2020, but he made his presence felt with 54 tackles and 19 QB hits, earning a Pro-Bowl nod for the fourth straight year.

Heyward will sit out Sunday's game against the Browns, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The Steelers are already locked into a wild-card playoff berth, so the team has little incentive to risk Heyward's health against the Browns. Instead, the veteran defensive end will get an opportunity to rest as he prepares for the postseason.

Heyward made five tackles (two solo), including a sack, in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Colts.

After three straight seasons with more than eight sacks, Heyward producing just four sacks thus far is disappointing. The veteran defensive end has also added 54 tackles (30 solo) and three pass breakups through 15 games.

Heyward had seven tackles (three solo) during Monday's 27-17 loss to the Bengals.

The 31-year-old tied for the team lead in tackles but went without a sack for the third straight contest. Heyward has only three sacks through 14 games in 2020, which would be his lowest sack total for a full season since 2012.

Heyward registered two tackles, including one sack, during Wednesday's 19-14 win against the Ravens.

Heyward reached Robert Griffin for a first-quarter sack, pushing his total to three in that department over 11 appearances on the season. The reigning All-Pro has only converted 20 percent of his QB hits into sacks thus far in 2020, a substantial decrease from the 46 percent rate he established over 47 appearances between 2017 and 2019. Even without the 31-year-old producing gaudy sack numbers, the undefeated Steelers are still allowing a league-low 17.1 points per game.

Heyward (quadriceps) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Heyward's full participation lends credence to the previous report that the quadriceps injury he sustained in last week's win over the Ravens was minor. He should be out there Sunday against the Cowboys.

Heyward sustained a minor quadriceps injury during Sunday's win over the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury during the fourth quarter and ended up setting a season high in defensive snap count (75) and snap share (91 percent). Heyward may be limited at practice this week, but he should still have a chance to play Week 9 since it doesn't appear to be a serious issue.

Heyward posted eight tackles -- one for a loss -- and a QB hit in Sunday's 38-7 win over the Browns.

Heyward entered the game with eight tackles through four games, and he tacked on another eight stops Sunday with a team high in the category. The veteran defensive end's sack numbers aren't up to par, as he has just 1.5 thus far after posting at least eight sacks in each of the previous three seasons. It'll be tough for him to get back on track in a Week 6 matchup against the Titans, as Ryan Tannehill has been sacked on just 2.81 percent of dropbacks -- third in the league.

Heyward recorded one tackle (solo) and an interception in Monday night's 26-16 win over the Giants.

The defense, which recorded 20 interceptions -- second only to the Patriots (25) in 2019 -- had two picks Monday, including the first of Heyward's career. Pittsburgh had no turnovers in a 24-17 loss in their last game against Week 2 opponent Denver.

Heyward and the Steelers agreed to terms on a four-year, $65.6 million contract extension Sunday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Heyward's contract includes the final season of his current deal, linking him to the Steelers for the next five years. The 31-year-old is a pillar of consistency along Pittsburgh's defensive line in addition to being a captain, so it's no surprise that the team made extending him before the regular season a priority. He's coming off the highest tackle total of his career (83 solo) and has averaged just over nine-and-a-half sacks across the last three seasons, making him a solid IDP option.

Heyward totaled four tackles (three solo) including a sack in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.

Heyward finishes the season third on the team in tackles (83) and sacks (9) in 16 games. He also had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery and will return in 2020 for the final year of his contract.

Heyward recorded six tackles (two solo) including a sack in Pittsburgh's 16-10 win over Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Steelers' defense delivered another solid effort to deliver a 10th consecutive win over the winless Bengals. Heyward had one of four Pittsburgh sacks in the game, giving him 6.5 this season. He is on pace for 9.5 sacks which would be the second highest total of his nine-year career. It should be a physical contest in Week 13 with Pittsburgh looking to avenge a 21-7 loss to Cleveland in Week 11.

Heyward had three tackles (two solo) including a sack in Sunday's 17-12 win over the Rams.

The Pittsburgh defense recorded four sacks, giving it 33 for the campaign -- second most in the league -- and has the unit on pace for 59 sacks this season. Heyward has 5.5 sacks and will look to add to that total in Week 11 against Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has been sacked 24 times this season.

Heyward had six tackles (three solo), including a sack, in Monday's 27-14 win over the Dolphins.

Despite falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Pittsburgh defense held Miami to just 22 rushing yards on 11 carries in the first half. That allowed them to close the gap to 14-10, then pin their ears back and come after quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the second half. Heyward now has 4.5 sacks -- all in his last four games -- heading into Pittsburgh's Week 9 contest against Indianapolis, and he's a decent defensive lineman option in IDP formats.

Heyward made four solo tackles and a sack in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Ravens.

Heyward was able to take down Lamar Jackson in this contest, and he now shares the team lead for sacks (3.5) with T.J. Watt and Stephon Tuitt. This is a sustainable rate for Heyward considering he has 20 sacks over the last two seasons, and he provides a decent IDP floor by averaging five tackles per game.

Heyward (quadriceps) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Heyward appears fully recovered from the quad injury he picked up during Monday's win over the Bengals. Barring any setbacks, Heyward is on track for his usual starting role versus the Ravens on Sunday.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Heyward (quadriceps) will continue to be evaluated and will be limited in practice this week, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Heyward went to the locker room after hurting his thigh in Monday's game versus the Bengals, but he returned promptly. His final stat line didn't look bothered, as he recorded 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the contest. While the Steelers plan to keep a close eye on him during this week of practice, it appears he should play in Sunday's game versus the Ravens barring any setbacks.

Heyward recorded six tackles (four solo), 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in Monday's win over the Bengals.

Not even a thigh injury could slow down Heyward, who briefly exited the contest in the first quarter. The veteran had a litany of impressive plays Monday night, including a strip-sack late in the fourth quarter. Hewyard had not recorded a sack heading into the contest, but he's now tied for the second-highest figure in that category on the team. As long as the thigh injury is not serious, Heyward will shift his focus to Sunday's matchup with the Ravens.

Heyward (thigh) returned to Sunday's game against the Bengals, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Heyward was immediately injured on the first series of the game, but after getting a second look in the locker room, he emerged healthy enough to return. Expect the veteran to be re-inserted into his normal starting role on the Steelers' defensive line.

Heyward (thigh) is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Bengals, Steelers' Director of Communications Burt Lauten reports.

Heyward suffered the injury on the first drive during the game and was seen with a limp on the sidelines. He headed to the locker room to get more tests done on his thigh, and with Heyward sidelined, look for Tyson Alualu to see an increase in snaps on the defensive line.