The Steelers aim to bounce back with a win over the Tennessee Titans tonight in Thursday Night Football, and they’ll even have some help up front on defense as Cam Heyward was activated off injured reserve yesterday afternoon.
Heyward told reporters he was excited to get back on the field over the past few days after sitting out several weeks with a groin injury he suffered in the season opener against San Francisco. He said conditioning “has been great” and that he was running every day while rehabbing.
T.J. Watt said he was happy to have Heyward and his leadership back on the defensive front.
Watt adds Heyward will add an extra boost to the team’s run defense, especially since they go up against Titans star running back Derrick Henry, who had 101 rushing yards against Atlanta last week.
Safety Damontae Kazee will get the start tonight after Minkah Fitzpatrick was ruled out with a hamstring injury he suffered Sunday against Jacksonville. He knows the Steelers’ secondary needs to be on their toes when Henry has the ball.
George Pickens says the Steelers’ offense needs to be explosive tonight.
Aside from Fitzpatrick, the only other injury designation belongs to cornerback Levi Wallace, who is questionable with a foot injury suffered two weeks ago. Running back Anthony McFarland, who’s been out since week one with a knee injury, was not activated off injured reserve but practiced in full yesterday.
For Tennessee, rookie quarterback Will Levis will make his second straight start while veteran Ryan Tannehill rehabs an ankle injury. Levis excelled in his NFL debut Sunday against Atlanta, throwing for 238 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Wideout DeAndre Hopkins did not practice yesterday and is listed as questionable for tonight with a toe injury.
You can hear tonight’s game on WDAD 100.3 FM and AM 1450 with the pregame show at 6. Kickoff from Acrisure Stadium is set for 8:20.
NFL
Atlanta has named Taylor Heinicke as its starter for Sunday’s matchup against Minnesota. He takes over for the injured Desmond Ridder. He is 12-12-1 as a starter in six seasons in the NFL.
