After not making the Pro Bowl for the first time in six seasons, Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward yesterday was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Christmas Eve effort against the Raiders. Heyward had seven tackles, three of them for a loss and two of them sacks of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and he also broke up a pass. He previously won the award twice in the 2017 season. He’s the third Steeler to be named Defensive Player of the Week this season, after Minkah Fitzpatrick and Alex Highsmith.
While Heyward leads a veteran unit on the defensive side of the football, quarterback Kenny Pickett heads the very young Steelers offense.
Pickett says the Steelers can’t be worrying about their very slim playoff chances as they prepare to play in Baltimore on Sunday night.
Pickett commented on coach Mike Tomlin saying this week that his offense had a “grow up” game on Saturday, especially in the last-minute drive that resulted in the winning touchdown reception by George Pickens, and in the subsequent possession when tight end Connor Heyward ran a jet sweep 21 yards to ice the game.
After missing a substantial part of the season with a hamstring injury, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon returned to practice yesterday and said he can’t wait to play on Sunday night. Cornerback Cam Sutton sat out with a hamstring injury and Diontae Johnson was sidelined by his turf toe. Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobee, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Terrell Edmunds were missing because they were attending the funeral of Franco Harris.
NFL
After his miserable night against the Steelers on Saturday, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been benched for the final two games of the season and has “stepped away” from the team. Jarrett Stidham will play QB for the Raiders against the 49ers on Sunday.
The Washington Commanders have named Carson Wentz as their starter this week for their crucial game against the Browns.
The Dolphins will go with Teddy Bridgewater Sunday at New England, replacing Tua Tagovailoa, who is in concussion protocol.
NFL Week 17 kicks off tonight with the Titans hosting the Cowboys to Nashville.
