All is fine with Cam Heyward and his leg. The All-Pro defensive lineman was back on the practice field Monday with the Steelers shifting back over to the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex now that training camp is over at Saint Vincent College.
On the final day of training camp in Latrobe, Heyward's lower leg was stepped on during a Seven Shots drill. After getting up slowly and gingerly walking off the field, Heyward sat out the rest of practice. He also sat out for Saturday's 16-15 victory over the Jaguars, while starters like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick played. Thus, the concern for Heyward's health.
"We were just being precautionary," Heyward said Monday. "I didn't get the last practice, so that's what held me out."
It goes without saying how vital Heyward is to the success of the defense and the overall team. His absence would be catastrophic for a defense trying to move on from a season where they finished dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game.
Even so, with the additions of Larry Ogunjobi and Montravious Adams, the return of Tyson Alualu and Chris Wormley, and a group of hungry young guys such as Isaiahh Loudermilk, Henry Mondeaux and third-round pick DeMarvin Leal, Heyward is confident about the depth of the defensive front, even after Stephon Tuitt's retirement.
In fact, Heyward isn't letting any doubts creep into the minds of the players in his group. He believes this unit can be and will be better.
"I feel very good about it," Heyward said. "My group is not a question mark. It's who's gonna play? Those guys have put in the work, and I trust them out there."
MORE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE
• Devin Bush did not practice Monday. Tomlin said he's dealing with an ankle injury, but described it as "day to day."
• Joe Haeg also did not practice due to a concussion. Haeg is currently in the protocol, and Tomlin said he thinks he is getting close to a return.
• Calvin Austin III (foot) did not practice again, and has not practiced since injuring his foot the day before the 32-25 win over the Seahawks. Even so, Tomlin is "hopeful" that Austin will return before the start of the season. Alex Highsmith (ribs) also sat out Monday's practice. Tomlin did not sound pessimistic on any of the injuries mentioned.
• Prior to Monday's practice, the Steelers signed OT Adrian Ealy and waived OT Jordan Tucker. The roster is currently at 85 players, but must be cut down to 80 by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.