The Steelers were back at work at St. Vincent yesterday, but the big news of training camp was superstar defensive lineman Cam Heyward’s surprise announcement that he is prepared to sit out the start of the regular season if he does not get a contract adjustment. Heyward just signed a new two-year extension last season that kicks in this year, but he said yesterday that he told the team that when he had an All-Pro season, which he did, he’d be back for a better contract.
Coach Mick Tomlin was unconcerned with what he called “big business.”
Heyward has been working out on his own at training camp rather than risking injury in team workouts. Tomlin has no problem with that.
Tomlin says Saturday’s preseason win over Jacksonville was a valuable experience, especially for his younger players, and he is looking for improvement in the second game this Saturday against Tampa Bay.
At practice yesterday, cornerback Darius Slay rolled an ankle and is considered “day to day”, according to the coach. Tomlin also said cornerback Jalen Ramsey’s return to team drills is imminent. Also missing from team drills yesterday were wide receiver Calvin Austin III, center Ryan McCollum, tight ends Jonnu Smith and J.J. Galbreath, defensive backs Corey Trice Jr. and Donte Kent, and quarterback Will Howard.
Tight end Kevin Foelsch was re-signed along with newcomer cornerback Mikey Victor, taking the roster spots of DJ Thomas-Jones, who was released, and Cameron McCutcheon, who was waived/injured.
